Manchester City identify Premier League star as long-term successor to veteran midfielder

While their long-running pursuit of Harry Kane may never have materialised, Manchester City were by no means quiet during this summer’s transfer window. 

The £100 million signing of Jack Grealish from Aston Villa made the 26-year-old the most expensive British player in history, and added another star to the already excessive array of talent at Pep Guardiola’s disposal.

The Kane saga may have dominated conversation for much of the summer, but the England captain’s immediate future lies in North London and City will have to look elsewhere if they are to sign a world class striker.

In the meantime, it appears that they are lining up a move for another England star, to act as a long-term solution to a potential problem position.

As per The Athletic, the Citizens have identified Declan Rice as a potential long-term successor to veteran midfielder Fernandinho.

The 36-year-old signed a one-year extension to his contract with City earlier this year, but will depart the club next summer.

Rice has been in good form of late

Rice is currently contracted to West Ham until at least 2024, but has already attracted interest from both Manchester United and Chelsea.

The report suggests that City had considered a bid for the player in January, but instead opted to offer the extension to Fernandinho’s contract.

It is also suggested that, while the Hammers are reluctant to sell Rice, they are aware of his desire to play in the Champions League and win trophies.

It is believed that West Ham supporters would understand if Rice were to be sold, and would not have any resentment towards the player due to his ‘professionalism’ and the fact that he ‘isn’t playing like a player who is trying to push for a move’.

The player is reportedly valued at £100 million by his current employers and had been widely expected to join Chelsea at some stage, but interest from City will undoubtedly make the player take notice.