Manchester City could be considered new 'favourites' to sign West Ham United star Declan Rice this summer, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Rice linked...

The 24-year-old has been sporadically linked with a move to Eastlands as manager Pep Guardiola reportedly identifies transfer targets for next season.

Rice, however, is also attracting interest from the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea with reports suggesting that the England international is open to joining Mikel Arteta's side.

City also have both Rodri and Kalvin Phillips in their ranks, making a move for the Irons star seem impractical.

The Latest: Man City considered Rice 'favourites'...

According to a report by TEAMtalk and reporter Graeme Bailey, the Premier League champions could be considered new favourites for Rice.

The race to sign him is apparently 'intensifying', and to make room for the player at City, Kalvin Phillips, Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva are all nominees for potential exits this summer.

The Verdict: Phenomenal player...

Called a 'superstar' by some members of the media, there is little denying he has become that at the London Stadium.

Rice averages more interceptions per 90 than any West Ham star in midfield whilst also completing a higher pass accuracy over all of his teammates (WhoScored).

As a player proven in the English top flight, the pull for Guardiola and co is Rice's undoubted quality, having even cemented himself as a regular under Gareth Southgate at international level.

That being said, the gem could also command a heavy price tag, with manager David Moyes even demanding a £150 million fee for him last year.

Phillips is currently still finding his feet after injury and is growing accustomed to life at the Etihad during his first season, and despite Rice's brilliance, we believe the former Leeds star should be afforded far more time.