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Manchester City 'emerge as frontrunners for West Ham United's Declan Rice'

Man City 'emerge as frontrunners for Declan Rice'
© Reuters
Manchester City are reportedly leading the race to sign West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Manchester City are reportedly favourites to sign West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice, amid interest from a number of clubs.

The Hammers were believed to have turned down a £100m offer from Manchester United last summer, ensuring that Rice remained with the club for the 2022-23 campaign.

The West Ham captain has started all 24 Premier League games for the club this term, contributing two goals and two assists.

Rice is currently under contract until June 2024, and West Ham have the option of extending his deal by a further year.

However, Rice is expected to leave the London Stadium at the end of the season, after previously expressing a desire to join a Champions League side.

West Ham United's Declan Rice in action with Nottingham Forest's Jack Colback on February 25, 2023© Reuters

A number of clubs are believed to be interested in acquiring Rice's services, including Premier League leaders Arsenal, who have made contact with the player's representatives.

While the Gunners are keen to sign Rice, according to TEAMTalk, Man City are considered favourites to secure his signature.

The report states that the Citizens may need to strengthen their midfield with uncertainty surrounding the futures of Kalvin Phillips, Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva.

Phillips has been unable to make a significant impact since joining from Leeds United last summer, having failed to start a Premier League game for Pep Guardiola's side.

Gundogan is yet to agree a new deal, with his current contract set to expire at the end of the season, while Silva has been linked with a move away from the Etihad Stadium.

West Ham United's Declan Rice celebrates on August 28, 2022© Reuters

If there are midfield departures at Man City, there will be room in the squad to sign Rice, who could command a substantial transfer fee.

There is a belief that West Ham could look to receive at least £100m to part ways with the England international.

While Arsenal and Man City are in the hunt to recruit the 24-year-old, there is also believed to be interest from Chelsea, Liverpool and Man United.

Rice is expected to be involved when West Ham make the trip down to the South coast on Saturday to face Brighton & Hove Albion.

The Hammers, who were knocked out of the FA Cup by Man United in midweek, occupy 16th position in the Premier League table with two points separating them from the relegation zone.

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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool119112161528
2Manchester CityMan City127232217523
3Chelsea126422314922
4Arsenal126422112922
5Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton126422116522
6Tottenham HotspurSpurs1261527131419
7Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest125431513219
8Aston Villa125431919019
9Newcastle UnitedNewcastle115331311218
10Fulham125341717018
11Brentford125252222017
12Manchester UnitedMan Utd114341212015
13Bournemouth124351617-115
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham113351319-612
15Everton122551017-711
16Leicester CityLeicester122461523-810
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves122372028-89
18Crystal Palace121561017-78
19Ipswich TownIpswich111551222-108
20Southampton11119721-144


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