Pep Guardiola isn’t short of defensive-midfielders with Rodri and Kalvin Phillips at his disposal, let alone Rico Lewis being a makeshift option, but Malik Ouzia of the London Evening Standard says Manchester City are ‘chasing’ West Ham United’s Declan Rice, so is an existing player being sold?
Rice has made 21 Premier League appearances this season, scoring one goal with two assists. The 24-year-old would be first in the City squad for tackles (2.3 per game), first for interceptions (1.7 per game), joint-fifth for chances created (1.2 per game) and joint-fifth for successful dribbles (0.6 per game), so he would be a brilliant addition to the squad.
Rodri is a regular in the starting lineup, but Rice would be a significant improvement on Phillips whose future might be uncertain after a disappointing campaign. Phillips has made just eight appearances in all competitions since joining from Leeds United last summer, amassing only 165 minutes of playing time.
The England international has suffered from a lack of form, fitness and opportunity under Guardiola, so there may be buyer’s regret. Rice would be an upgrade on Phillips, but he won’t come cheap with a £70m asking price.
West Ham are desperate to keep the midfielder but acknowledge he wants to play in the Champions League and won’t sign a new deal with the Hammers, so he should be granted a departure this summer if his valuation is matched.
Whether City make an official move remains to be seen, however, as Pep surely wouldn’t sign Rice until Phillips’ future is resolved.
In other news, Fabrizio Romano gives update on Man City’s pursuit of Jude Bellingham
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