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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
CManchester CityMan City38287396346291
2Arsenal38285591296289
3Liverpool382410486414582
4Aston Villa382081076611568
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs382061274611366
6Chelsea381891177631463
7Newcastle UnitedNewcastle381861485622360
8Manchester UnitedMan Utd38186145758-160
9West Ham UnitedWest Ham381410146074-1452
10Crystal Palace381310155758-149
11Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton381212145562-748
12Bournemouth38139165467-1348
13Fulham38138175561-647
14Wolverhampton WanderersWolves38137185065-1546
15Everton38139164051-1140
16Brentford38109195665-939
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3899204967-1832
RLuton TownLuton3868245285-3326
RBurnley3859244178-3724
RSheffield UnitedSheff Utd38372835104-6916


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