Manchester City are lining up an offer for West Ham midfielder Declan Rice, according to The Times.
The Citizens are looking at the 22-year-old as a potential replacement for Fernandinho, who could leave the Etihad Stadium at the end of the season.
At this stage, the Brazilian has yet to decide on whether to sign a one-year contract extension, but if he opts to depart on a free transfer, City are thought to be targeting Rice as his successor.
With the Hammers demanding up to £100m for the England international, though, the price tag may prove problematic for Pep Guardiola’s side, as they are also targeting a new striker.
A part-exchange offer may well be put forward instead, but West Ham are said to be adamant that they will only accept a straight cash bid for Rice, which could stop a move to City in its tracks.
Manchester United and Chelsea are also believed to be interested in the Irons talisman but it appears they could all be scared off by the player’s asking price.
