Manchester United "isn't the place to go right now" for West Ham midfielder Declan Rice, according to Anton Ferdinand.
Rice, 23, has been strongly linked with a summer move to Old Trafford, having cemented his reputation as one of the Premier League's best midfielders with another impressive season at West Ham.
England international Rice has captained the Hammers throughout the campaign, helping them reach the semi-finals of the Europa League.
West Ham are currently seventh in the Premier League, just three points behind Manchester United, and former Hammers defender Ferdinand believes it would be a mistake for Rice to join the Red Devils immediately after Erik ten Hag's appointment as manager.
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"Man Utd isn't the place to go right now. They're going through a massive transitional period," Ferdinand told The Sun.
"For me personally, if I'm Rice, Man Utd is not a place that I'd be going. I'd wait a few years and see what Ten Hag does.
"Whether he can implement what he did at Ajax at Man Utd and get them looking more like a team that can challenge.
"Otherwise, what's the point in leaving West Ham to go somewhere you're not even challenging for a title.
"You're challenging to get into Europe. That's what West Ham are doing - challenging to get into the Champions League.
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"We've got something to build on. He'd be in the same place at Man Utd and all it would come down to is the stature of the football club.
"As a footballer myself, I'm not going somewhere just because it's a bigger club. You've got everything at a club where you're loved and you're the main man.
"At Man Utd, you'll be one of many. Whereas, you can stay at West Ham and challenge for Europe and be the main man."
Chelsea are also interested in Rice, who is under contract with West Ham until 2024 – with the club holding an option to extend his deal by a further year.
Rice has reportedly turned down the offer of a new contract at the London Stadium but Hammers boss David Moyes has insisted the midfielder won’t be sold this summer.
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However, reports have claimed that West Ham would consider selling Rice - but only for a British record £150m transfer fee.
When asked what he would do if he was in Rice's position, Ferdinand insisted he would stay at West Ham but says he understands if the midfielder wants to leave for a club fighting for the title.
"Me personally, I'd rather stay [than join United]," added Ferdinand, who made 163 appearances for West Ham during his playing days.
"But if it was one of the teams that were fighting for the league, and they came up with the money, it would be hard for West Ham to keep him.
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"Like I said, if he did go, as fans we'd appreciate what he has done for the club. He'd always be loved and classed as a legend.
"And if we got £100m-plus for him and it went back into the playing squad, then we can't grumble."
Topics: West Ham United, Manchester United, Transfers, Premier League, Football, Declan Rice