Man City handed huge boost in their pursuit of West Ham skipper Declan Rice
Manchester City have been handed a huge boost in their pursuit of West Ham midfielder Declan Rice.
Money earned from the departure of Ferran Torres to Barcelona will give City boss Pep Guardiola increased funds to invest in his squad.
Among their targets is Rice [Mirror] who could join a host of England teammates at the Etihad including City’s latest English super signing, Jack Grealish.
Simon Jordan has named City as one of the clubs likely to sign Rice if he departs from the London Stadium: “By the way, West Ham may well win the Europa League because they are setting their stall out to do it and there is an anticipation that they may go at that – and that is something to be celebrated.” He said on talkSPORT.
“But when you have Manchester City, Chelsea and maybe Man United, you are talking about three teams who can set the room on fire economically and pretty much do what they want.
“While Man United can’t win anything currently, Man City and Chelsea currently can and do. So, there is the answer to the question which direction of travel does he go in.”
Big spenders
Man City do not need any excuses to spend big money in January. They have spent ludicrous money on players for the best part of a decade and don’t look like slowing down any time soon.
The sale of Torres will certainly ease the financial burden they might face but if City really want Rice, they will make a move for him regardless.
It is hard to see the Hammers skipper leave under any circumstances in January though.
West Ham are enjoying their best season in recent years and there is a real feel-good factor around the club. That feeling that a trophy may be on the horizon, something that Rice will want to stick around for.
One trophy with the Irons is worth ten for Manchester City and Rice would surely like to solidify his status as a claret & blue legend if he does decide to leave.
At such a young age Rice can afford to spend at least a few more years at West Ham to really show his love for the club.
He doesn’t have to go as far as Mark Noble but if Rice shows resilience from outside interest and dedicates himself to the Hammers then no fan could hold any grudges should he leave.
It would be completely naive to think a player of his quality would stick around forever, especially if the Irons can’t match his ambitions.
In other Hammers news, West Ham United table financial package for Gabriel, Flamengo respond on same day – report.