Speaking to GiveMeSport, journalist Dean Jones of Eurosport has made a Manchester City transfer claim involving West Ham United star Declan Rice.
The Lowdown: Fernandinho heir needed?
Currently over midway through his second consecutive one-year extension at Eastlands, fan favourite Fernandinho could soon be on his way out of Manchester.
The Brazilian stalwart has been a pivotal figure in City’s dominance of the Premier League over this last decade, both on the field and in the dressing room, with manager Pep Guardiola perhaps needing to decide on his heir.
Rodri’s unbelievable form in the Sky Blues midfield has arguably overshadowed the need to replace Fernandinho but sporting director Txiki Begiristain has kept it in mind, according to reports.
The Telegraph back that City are in amongst the big English clubs keeping tabs on star Hammers midfielder Rice with Jones of Eurosport now sharing what he knows.
The Latest: Jones makes Rice to City claim…
Speaking to GMS, Jones believes that an Etihad move could appeal to the 23-year-old and he would ‘consider’ leaving London for either City or rivals Man United.
“One that’s not really talked about as Manchester City,” he explained.
“They really like Declan Rice still and it might be that Manchester City appeals to Declan Rice more than United.
“I know that both of those clubs, in the last six months, have checked out his situation just really to be assured that he’s willing to leave London more than anything because, obviously, he’s established himself at West Ham after being at Chelsea and he’s still being talked about going back to Chelsea.
“I know that there was some concern at United and City over whether it was a waste of time and if he would even consider leaving the capital. He would, I’m told.”
The Verdict: Boost for the Blues?
When compared to City’s current midfield colossus Rodri, the England international actually boasts similar form statistically.
Indeed, Rice has averaged exactly the same amount of tackles per 90 (2.3) in the Premier League whilst also making more interceptions in that time than any of Guardiola’s current squad (WhoScored).
His superb pass accuracy of 90.8% in England’s top flight is yet another potential incentive for Begiristain to make a move and we believe Rice would be a dream option alongside Rodri in the defensive-midfield pivot.
Branded ‘phenomenal‘ by ex-Three Lions boss Fabio Capello, the player certainly won’t come cheap though, with 90min even claiming West Ham value him at around £120 million.
It remains to be seen whether City deem Rice worth the effort to break their transfer record once again this year after the £100m capture of Jack Grealish.
In other news: Man City could now move for ‘extraordinary’ £58.5m-rated forward who Pep has already raved about, find out more here.
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