Manchester City discuss nine-figure transfer sum for in demand England and West Ham star

Manchester City are weighing up a move for West Ham United captain Declan Rice but could face Premier League competition for the signature of the England international.

City, Manchester United and Arsenal could all battle it out to sign the 24 year-old this summer, with the Gunners currently considered favourites to sign the West Ham captain.

Pep Guardiola is expected to make midfield reinforcements this summer amid growing uncertainty surrounding the future’s of Ilkay Gundogan, Bernardo Silva and Kalvin Phillips.

Gundogan, who is out of contract at the end of the current campaign, is wanted by recently crowned La Liga champions Barcelona.

Phillips meanwhile is drawing interest from a host of Premier League clubs, including Aston Villa and West Ham.

The former Leeds player, who looks set to become a Premier League champion, could even be considered as a replacement for Rice by the Hammers, despite suggestions that Phillips is keen to fight for his place at the Etihad Stadium.

Manchester City are reportedly “weighing up” a move for the England star, who is “widely expected” to leave the London Stadium this summer, according to Simon Jones.

Rice is expected to cost in excess of £100 million, a potential club-record transfer fee for City, who paid £100 million for Jack Grealish in 2021.

The Mail report that City have discussed a potential bid to sign the West Ham captain, but have reservations that Rice’s playing style could negatively impact Rodri, an integral member of Pep Guardiola’s squad and playing system.

Rice has made 34 appearances for West Ham this season and was part of Gareth Southagte’s squad at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

The midfielder has been with West Ham since the age of 14 and became club captain under David Moyes last year.

City, who have been linked with Jude Bellingham, are also poised to make a potential move for Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic.