West Ham United have reportedly earmarked Chelsea's Conor Gallagher and Manchester City's Kalvin Phillips as possible successors to wantaway captain Declan Rice.
The Hammers have resisted interest in their skipper for the past few years, but they are seemingly resigned to losing Rice during the upcoming transfer window.
The England international is only under contract at the London Stadium until the end of next season, and he has rejected numerous offers to extend his stay in the capital.
With West Ham fighting relegation at the foot of the division, Rice - who is known to be pining for Champions League football - will be allowed to depart for the right price, but it could still take a fee north of £60m to secure his signature.
Arsenal are believed to be leading the race to sign the 24-year-old, although Manchester United and Rice's former club Chelsea are also ready to pounce this summer.
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Ahead of Rice's inevitable departure, the Evening Standard reports that David Moyes's side have shortlisted Gallagher and Phillips as their two top replacement candidates.
After excelling on loan at Crystal Palace with eight goals and five assists from 39 matches last season, Gallagher returned to Chelsea in the summer with the hope of making a name for himself in the capital.
The 23-year-old has been a regular fixture of the Blues' side, making 35 appearances in all competitions, but he only has one goal and one assist to his name during an underwhelming campaign.
With Chelsea expected to carry out a mass exodus of players in the summer, Gallagher - whose contract expires in two years' time - could be one of the first names on the chopping block.
The England international was thought to have been on the radar of Newcastle United and Everton during the final knockings of the January window, while Liverpool have also been credited with an interest.
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Meanwhile, Phillips ended his 12-year association with Leeds United to join Man City last summer, but his maiden campaign at the Etihad Stadium has been nothing short of disastrous.
The 27-year-old has been restricted to just 14 appearances in all tournaments, having missed a couple of months with a shoulder injury, and he is still waiting for his first goal or assist for the Citizens.
Phillips is yet to start a Premier League game for the reigning champions, and he has just 65 minutes of top-flight football under his belt from six substitute appearances under Pep Guardiola.
With Man City expected to be in the race for Jude Bellingham this summer - despite the multitude of Premier League charges for alleged financial breaches hanging over their head - Phillips could be on the move in search of more regular game time.
However, Guardiola's side could still look to hang on to the England international in the hope that he comes good next season, while the West Ham hierarchy are said to harbour doubts about the move due to his injury record.
Ben Knapton
