‘This doesn’t even make sense’, ‘don’t see any similarities’ – Man City fans react as Club identify Jude Bellingham alternative ahead of summer window

Manchester City fans have been reacting to a post on Twitter which relays a report that claims Pep Guardiola and the club have identified their alternative to Jude Bellingham ahead of the summer window.

The Bundesliga giants’ star in the middle of the park has been the subject of widespread interest from Europe’s main players ever since his breakthrough in the Birmingham City set-up in 2019.

Dortmund are understandably keen to keep Bellingham, who is under contract with the club until 2025. But there is an expectation he will move on this summer, with a return to the Premier League looking likely.

According to Journalist Matteo Moretto, City are one of the teams in contention to sign the player, with Pep Guardiola an admirer of his qualities, and Erling Haaland pushing for his friend to select the Etihad Stadium as his next home.

However, the race for the England international star is described as being ‘wide open’, with Real Madrid, Liverpool and Chelsea all set to make their first moves for a player that is reportedly valued at €150 million.

While there is a possibility that Manchester City could come out on top in the pursuit of Europe’s most sought-after midfielder, Matteo Moretto reports that officials at the club have identified an alternative option in the event of a failed pursuit.

That player is West Ham and England’s Declan Rice – a player that Pep Guardiola is currently said to be ‘closely following’, and a talent that could come at a reduced cost should the Hammers fail to secure their place in the Premier League next season.

The report was shared on Twitter by City Xtra and it attracted plenty of attention from the club’s supporters.

@TeacherOfBall: “This doesn’t even make sense”

@_Yett_: “Definitely not Declan Rice.”

@PRETTYMAMl_: “NOT Declan Rice”

@Josethedoor_17: “I dont see any similarities between the two if i’m being honest”

@Alex3Manchester: “How is Declan rice an alternative to Jude? It’s like wanting iniesta and getting busquets instead”

@Charles05993482: “We have Rodri and Phillips, where would he play?.”

@_TJ932O: “Bellingham we probably are interested in, but think we’ll opt against him. Rice we definitely are not interested in. Journos are just throwing names at it tbh, there’s no sign of a plan or specific style of player target”

@tom_adwar: “Hear me out, Frankie De Jong is better than him..”