MANCHESTER CITY are reportedly still keen on West Ham’s Declan Rice as a successor to midfield lynchpin Fernandinho.
The 22-year-old England midfielder is seen as an ideal replacement for the 36-year-old Brazilian, according to The Athletic.
The article points out that Chelsea and Manchester United have also been linked with arguably West Ham’s best player.
It explains City were thought to be considering a bid to ‘test West Ham’s resolve’ last season but instead decided to offer veteran Fernandinho a one-year deal extension in January.
It adds: “There is every chance they will make a bid next summer, with Rice viewed as 36-year-old Fernandinho’s long-term successor.”
Rice is contracted to West Ham until 2024 with an option for a one-year extension.
The Athletic claim they ‘have no intention of selling him’ but they are ‘aware of Rice’s ambitions to win trophies and play Champions League football.’
The report adds if Rice were to leave it would be ‘one of the few occasions where the fans would not be in uproar about the exit of a key player.’
FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS
Rice is regarded as one of the brightest prospects in world football following a run of brilliant displays for European-football chasing West Ham and Euro 2020 finalists England.
The Athletic explains the Hammers fans would accept Rice’s decision because of his ‘professionalism’ and clear commitment to the club and the fact he ‘isn’t playing like someone who is pushing for a move.’
We reported in the summer how the Hammers had slapped a £100million price-tag on the star to ensure they would be suitably compensated for any loss of their talisman.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
