Manchester United are reportedly exploring the possibility of using Jesse Lingard in a part-exchange deal for West Ham United's Declan Rice.
Despite Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's insistence that Paul Pogba will remain at Old Trafford this season, the Red Devils are still being tipped to bolster their midfield ranks before the deadline.
Meanwhile, West Ham have made it publicly clear that they are keen to sign Lingard on a permanent deal, with the attacker netting nine goals and assisting five more in 16 Premier League games last term.
Now, United We Stand editor Andy Mitten has hinted that both players moving in opposite directions is not beyond the realm of possibility, telling the Talk of the Red Devils Podcast: "I know that Manchester United like Declan Rice.
"He impressed them last season and they felt that he slimmed down. West Ham want a lot of money for him. Even [former Hammers manager] Manuel Pellegrini suggested that Rice is one to play at a top top club.
"West Ham want Jesse Lingard. Manchester United want money and Declan Rice. The Sullivans [West Ham's owners] are not adverse to do a bit of wheeling and dealing.
"A week ago, I was told that don't bet against someone else coming in at the club. They clearly want someone else to come in but the finances might restrict that."
Lingard came off the bench for the final four minutes of United's 1-1 draw with Southampton in gameweek two, while Rice has played the full 90 minutes in victories over Newcastle United and Leicester City.
Ben Knapton
