Manchester City urged to sign Premier league midfielder wanted by Man United
Former Liverpool midfielder, Graeme Souness, has urged Manchester City to go for Declan Rice, as he’d be an ideal replacement for Fernandinho.
Rice has been one of the standout players for West Ham this season, with Chelsea and Manchester United keen on signing the England International.
But with Fernandinho set to run out of contract at the end of the season, Souness has urged City to make a move for the 22 year old.
He told Sunday Times, “At first, I feared he might become one of those ‘steady Eddies’ who play it safe and square all the time and say they ‘recycle possession’ rather than have an impact on matches for their teams.
“Now I reckon Rice is going to be an in-demand footballer with the bigger clubs. Whether it’s Manchester United, Chelsea or Manchester City. I don’t think Liverpool will be in the chase for him, but the other three will.
“My doubts were whether he’d have enough football in him to play in midfield. He could, ultimately, still play at the back, but right now that would be like tying his bootlaces together because he has so much energy to burn and the technique to get out of tight areas.
“I still want him to see the picture and deliver the pass earlier, to make more telling passes in the final third, but that could come with confidence and he rarely gives the ball away.
“Jack Grealish’s transfer from Aston Villa to Manchester City for £100 million means that’s where the bidding is likely to start for Rice, who’s four years younger at 22. City already have the strongest group of players in the history of English football, but still collect the best players they can.
“Yes, they have Rodri, but Fernandinho’s 36 and in the final six months of his contract, so Rice is an obvious replacement because they have the finances and are buying when they are on top.
“City, Chelsea and United will all pay a premium for Rice. The only argument you can offer if you’re buying is that he’s not a striker and that’s where the big money generally goes. It might take Rice to another level.”