West Ham chiefs are hopeful of Manchester United joining the battle for Declan Rice.

Arsenal are seeking to close an early agreement with the Hammers of around £92m for the club captain.

However, the Irons board expect United to also come in for the midfielder, so sparking an auction.

The Daily Mail says the Hammers are hopeful of selling Rice for far more than Arsenal's assessment.

The one positive for Arsenal is that United's ownership battle could mean they have a limited budget to work from this summer market.