By Alan Hutton

8th Jun, 2023 | 3:19pm

Man United could be about to sign Declan Rice and his 'best friend' after source's reveal - pundit

Declan Rice could be persuaded to join Man United this summer.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Tottenham and Aston Villa defender Alan Hutton suggested Rice could be tempted by a move to Manchester if his “best friend” Mason Mount completes a move.

On 4 June, sources told this site that United are emerging as realistic contenders in the race to sign Rice from West Ham, despite Arsenal having been frontrunners.

The Red Devils are waiting in the wings in case the Gunners are unwilling to meet the Hammers’ asking price.

Last week (4 June), Football Insider also revealed that Erik ten Hag’s side are working on finalising the signing of Mount after he told Chelsea that he wants to leave this summer.

Hutton suggested that a deal for Mount could be the catalyst for United to land Rice.

“His best friend is possibly about to sign in Mason Mount so that could trigger something,” he told Football Insider.

“We will have to wait and see how it plays out. At the end of the day it is about who puts the money on the table, how they are going to pay it, wages this stuff all comes into it.

“Is he happy in London? Or would he like to try somewhere else?

“Whoever he goes to he will make better and whoever misses out on him will be disappointed. He is going to be a great signing for somebody.

“If Mason Mount were to go to Man United that might possibly push him towards going there as well.“

In other news, Aston Villa have concrete interest in Man United defender as ‘huge’ spree planned.