Rio Ferdinand names England man Man Utd must sign ahead of Camavinga

Eduardo Camavinga Rennes star warms up

Rio Ferdinand has explained why Manchester United need to prioritise the signing of an England man before they splash the cash on brining in Eduardo Camavinga.

The talented Rennes midfielder is another on United’s summer radar with a deal for Jadon Sancho finally over the line. Indeed, director of football John Murtough reportedly wants Camavinga next through the door as he looks to furnish Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with a title -challenging squad.

To that end, talk of a deal for Camavinga has gathered pace over the last few days. The teenager has already hinted at a potential switch to Old Trafford after he ‘liked’ a post about Sancho’s impending £73m move.

A report over the weekend gave United more belief. That’s after it was stated that a transfer away from Rennes now looks “inevitable”

And on Monday, our Paper Talk revealed how a trusted transfer journalist stated a cut-price transfer was on the cards this summer.

That talk though was quickly ridiculed by Rennes, who insisted their prized asset would not be allowed to leave on the cheap.

Ferdinand, meanwhile, believes that while Camavinga has talent, United would be better splashing the cash on Declan Rice.

The pundit claims the West Ham man’s displays during Euro 2020 have convinced him he’s ready for a bigger stage.

And he thinks that Rice would be a perfect addition to United’s midfield.

When asked about United’s move to sign Camavinga, Ferdinand sent a clear message on his Vibe with FIVE.

“I’ve not seen enough of him, if I’m honest,” Ferdinand said.

“I saw his game against Paris Saint-Germain when he got man of the match… unreal.

July 5 Transfer Chatter - Manchester Utd boost for Camavinga, Barcelona want Coutinho out and Chelsea working on another Italian full-back

July 5 Transfer Chatter - Manchester Utd boost for Camavinga, Barcelona want Coutinho out and Chelsea working on another Italian full-back

Manchester United receive a boost from Rennes in the race for Eduardo Camavinga, Barcelona willing to accept staggeringly low offer for Phillippe Coutinho and Chelsea in talks with exciting Italian full-back, all in today's transfer chatter.

“He’s got talent, obviously. But is he going to come in and affect the team right now and become a star? Or is he going to be like Amad [Diallo]? Who comes in, [costs] £40million but is nowhere near the starting XI at the moment. Is that what we need?

“Or do we need someone like Declan Rice who is flying at the moment. His performances in an England shirt; he’s taken it to other levels now. We all knew he was a good player at West Ham. But what Declan Rice is doing in the England team right now, for his age, is a madness.

“Then it comes down to have Man United got the funds to go and get him from West Ham? What are West Ham going to ask for?

“For me, I’ve got to be honest, football ability Camavinga and Rice are fantastic players, you can see the potential a mile off.”

Ferdinand waxes lyrical on Rice qualities

Ferdinand then went on a lengthy explanation of what Rice would bring to the United midfield.

“Rice brings you character. He brings you a character that’s probably not in the game as much now as it was in my generation.

“Someone who is a sponge with information, wants to get better. He wants to get in to an environment where he has a chance of winning constantly.

“He’s envious of his mates who win at other clubs, he reminds me a little bit of myself at his age.

“You want to get there and get in to an environment where you can go and win, whether that’s Man United.

“He probably thinks West Ham at the moment, as well as he’s done there and as much as he loves the club and the people there, especially after a Euros, I did it after a World Cup with Leeds, I’ve smelt and tasted that chance of being around world-class players, I needed that every week.

“Again, the character, you can’t undervalue what character is – Jordan Henderson has it at Liverpool. Some people will say, ‘oh he’s not as good as him or as good as him’, but a lot of those ‘as good as him’ people don’t have that character to drive a dressing room. And I think Rice could grow into that.”

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