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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 for Rice last summer, ensuring the England international remained with the club for the current 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 club.
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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 the 24-year-old, 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 unable to make a significant impact since joining 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.
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If there are midfield departures at Man City then there will be room in the squad to sign Rice, who could command a sizeable transfer fee.
There is a belief that West Ham could look to receive at least £100m to part ways with their academy graduate.
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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