Manchester United Reportedly Scouted West Ham's Declan Rice vs. Manchester City

Manchester United reportedly scouted West Ham United youngster Declan Rice in the Hammers' 4-0 defeat to Manchester City on Saturday.

According to Metro's Chris Davie, United are interested in the 19-year-old and having kept an eye on his progress throughout the season, they had him scouted in person for the first time on Saturday.

Chelsea are also said to be interested in the youngster, whose contract at the London Stadium expires at the end of next season.

The Blues are said to be prepared to double West Ham's offer of a new £20,000-per-week contract, which Rice has turned down.

Bleacher Report's Dean Jones recently urged West Ham to tie him down:

Rice broke into the Irons first team last season and quickly established himself as a regular in the side, often featuring as a centre-back.

He occasionally spent time in a holding role in front of the defence, and he has been used in that manner throughout this campaign by manager Manuel Pellegrini.

Despite his side being on the receiving end of a 4-0 thrashing on Saturday, City boss Pep Guardiola was impressed with Rice, per Football.London's Sam Inkersole:

The midfielder plays with a composure and maturity that belies his youth, and he has become a vital presence for the Hammers in the centre of the park.

Scouted Football praised him and shared his numbers after he put in an excellent performance in a 1-1 draw with Leicester City in October:

It's little wonder his form has caught the eye of clubs such as United and Chelsea.

While on Saturday he found himself overshadowed by the Sky Blues as David Silva, Ilkay Gundogan and Fernandinho ran things from midfield, the Red Devils may still have been impressed with his showing in a difficult game.

They'll likely be hoping to capitalise on West Ham's failure to secure his long-term future, so the Irons will need to do their utmost to keep him at the club or they'll lose a valuable asset.