Manchester City confident of signing Manchester United target and West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice

Premier League rivals Manchester City are confident about signing West Ham United star Declan Rice amidst interest from Manchester United, according to Sky Sports’ Gianluca Di Marzio (h/t Manchester Evening News).

The Sky Blues are looking to acquire the England international’s services in the ongoing transfer window. To that end, the Cityzens are close to getting a hold of the midfielder’s signature.

For some time now, the Red Devils have admired the 24-year-old. As of late, Arsenal have been in advanced talks with the Hammers for their captain. But it looks like Pep Guardiola’s team will pip the Gunners.

West Ham got Rice from Chelsea and he made his way through the youth ranks at the Irons before breaking into the first-team setup. Over the years, the English national has grown from strength to strength.

For the Three Lions, the midfielder has been a pivotal asset, playing a crucial role in the 2022 World Cup. In what could potentially be the 24-year-old’s last competitive game for the Hammers, he won the UEFA Europa Conference League.

City won a historic treble last season, becoming only the second English team to do so after us. They have an abundance of talent in the midfield. But the Sky Blues are set to lose Ilkay Gundogan.

As for United, Erik ten Hag relied on Casemiro a lot in the previous campaign. The Brazil international signed for the Red Devils from Real Madrid last summer.

Subsequently, the 31-year-old has become an essential player for the Dutch manager and has cemented his place in the starting lineup. Unfortunately, the Old Trafford side found it difficult to get positive results in the 2022/23 season without him.

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Therefore, we could evidently do with more cover for Casemiro in the engine room. However, Rice is one of the best midfielders in the English top flight, who will understandably want regular minutes. Therefore, it remains to be seen whether United will challenge City for the 24-year-old’s signature.