Manchester City are playing it cool when it comes to splashing money to sign fresh recruits. The Sky Blues have already spent a fortune this summer on dropping the signing of Jack Grealish. However, City are not planning to have a silent summer next term, unlike what many thought.

After reinforcing their attacking options, Pep Guardiola is hoping to add a defensive midfield to his lineup. Fernandinho is currently playing the role, but with the player nearing the end of his prime. Pep is looking to bring in a replacement in the coming summer. Various sources report that City are keen to sign Declan Rice from West Ham United as a replacement.

The young Englishman has been on his best form for both club and country. Hence, he is at the top of many Premier League clubs’ options for a CDM. But according to The Sun, Manchester City are the party most keen to secure Declan Rice.

Pep Guardiola and co have proven over the years that they will spend any amount of money to secure a player they are interested in. Hence, Declan Rice will not be an exception in this case. West Ham are reportedly asking for £100m for the player. With City ready to splash the money it will be a tough battle for their competitors.

Manchester City are not alone in the race for Rice

Manchester United also saw some major updates to their squad this summer. However many fans feel that they do need a new man to play in the holding midfield. However, Fred is the current option available for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Many fans are not happy with the Brazilian’s game and are seeking a change.

Declan Rice has been on United’s radar as well ever since his breakthrough with West Ham. Hence, many reports claim that the Red Devils will also be trying a hand at luring Rice to Old Trafford. However, it is uncertain if they will be willing to spare £100m as City did for Grealish. Hence, this may lower their chances of landing Declan, but nothing is certain now.

Liverpool are also keen to add more depth to their midfield after the departure of Gini Wijnaldum. However, there has not been any solid interest from the Reds. Declan is surely a player they will consider adding to their squad.

Another club that did show solid interest in Declan was Chelsea. Frank Lampard led Chelsea were keen to sign Declan Rice, but West Ham’s interest to retain him and the sacking of Lampard left the move incomplete. With Thomas Tuchel leading them now, we still don’t know if the German has plans to make a move for Rice. Tuchel plays Kovacic and Jorginho as his CDM players, if either of them are to leave, Tuchel will try to get Rice on his side.

Rice is happy to stay at West Ham

Although there is a lot of interest from rival clubs, West Ham are trying their best to retain Declan Rice. The Englishman is also happy to stay as long as West Ham include a release clause in his contract. However, the Hammers are not too keen to add this bit to their contract. Hence, Rice and West Ham have been prolonging the contract renewal.

Declan Rice already has the attention of many superpower clubs around Europe. Hence, West Ham must make amendments if they want to keep one of their best players safe. Declan is also happy to continue at West Ham and enjoy quality football. But if his terms are not taken seriously, Rice can easily find a better club that can assure him more trophies.

With Manchester City being the top contender to sign Rice. Things already seem bad for West Ham, who are trying hard to keep their best man. The defending champions know how to lure in a player and can easily match any amount the Hammers ask for. Hence, Manchester City is a probable destination for Declan Rice next summer.

Other clubs may not be too keen to offer a huge amount of money upfront. Still, United will be a big opponent for Manchester City in their pursuit of Rice. Ole is happy with his current squad and if there is only one spot he needs to upgrade that will be the holding midfield. There is no other player he can opt for other than Declan Rice. Hence we a likely to see some tough transfer battles next summer as well.

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