Manchester City emerge as contenders to sign Premier League and England star

Manchester United came from behind to beat West Ham United and progress into the quarter-finals of the FA Cup on Wednesday.

The Hammers had gone ahead shortly after the break through Said Benrahma before goals from Wout Weghorst, Alejandro Garnacho and Fred ensured it was the newly-crowned Carabao Cup champions that progressed.

West Ham will now turn their attention to the Premier League, with a key game against Brighton and Hove Albion coming up on Saturday.

The London side could face a difficult challenge this summer as they look to keep hold of midfielder Declan Rice.

The England international is said to be a target for several clubs including Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United, but it now appears that another club has showed an interest.

As reported by TeamTalk, Manchester City have emerged as leading contenders to land the Englishman.

Rice, 24, has established himself as one of the Premier League’s best midfielders in recent seasons, having made his debut for The Hammers during the 2016/17 season.

His contract with his current employers is due to expire next summer, though, which leaves West Ham with a big decision to make this summer.

The east London outfit could sell their captain this summer, or risk losing him for free next year.

Rice became the captain of West Ham at the start of this season

City can now be considered as favourites to land Rice, the report claims, as they look to beat their rivals to his signature.

Pep Guardiola could face losing two key midfielders this summer, with Ilkay Gundogan set to be out of contract, while Bernardo Silva’s future remains uncertain as he continues to be linked with a move to Spain.

Rice is said to be keen on the prospect of playing in the Champions League and has therefore rejected several offers from The Hammers to extend his current deal.

As well as becoming a regular for West Ham and captaining his club side, Rice has also established himself as a regular for England in recent years.

The midfielder started regularly for The Three Lions at both Euro 2020 and the World Cup in Qatar last year.

Rice could, however, command a British record transfer fee if he were to be lured away from The London Stadium.

That record is currently held by Enzo Fernandez, who cost around £105 million when he joined Chelsea from Benfica in January.

The Blues were said to be one of Rice’s most likely destinations, but it remains to be seen whether or not their interest remains following their capture of Fernandez.