‘That’s absolutely false’, ‘could work with Rodri’ – Man City fans disagree over club major concern about signing Declan Rice

Manchester City fans have disagreed over a report that claims the club have discussed Declan Rice as a potential transfer option this summer, but are not convinced that he would be the right fit.

Despite the indifferent performances of the Hammers this season, Rice has remained as the club’s standout player, strengthening the feeling that he will soon leave the London Stadium.

City, Manchester United and Arsenal could all battle it out to sign the 24 year-old this summer, with the Gunners currently considered favourites to sign the West Ham captain.

If reports are to be believed, West Ham have little intention of considering any offers that fall short of £100m, a stance that will rule out some of his admirers.

Pep Guardiola is expected to make midfield reinforcements this summer amid growing uncertainty surrounding the future’s of Ilkay Gundogan, Bernardo Silva and Kalvin Phillips.

As a result, Manchester City remain active in the race for Rice as they contemplate potential alternatives.

According to the Daily Mail, Man City have discussed internally a potential move for Rice as the England international is set to leave West Ham in the summer.

However, the report states that the Manchester club have concerns over his playing style – which is a major issue.

Rodri currently plays in Rice’s preferred position at City and it is hard to see where the West Ham star will fit in given how good the Manchester club’s midfield is.

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

@mcfcalfie: “Their playing styles complement each other so that’s absolutely false..”

@johnnydejesus_: “Unless Phillips is going the other way, would be a waste tbh. Mac Allister, or Barela profile types would be more of what we need to replace Gundo or Bernardo (if they leave)”

@ClaireMulcahy17: “Doesn’t make sense if phillips is staying, he is playing more as an 8 with west ham lately which could work with Rodri and also provide coverage….he is not really a goal scorer but maybe he can improve that”

@MCFCHeisenberg: “Only way City will be in for Rice is if Gundogan leaves as he can play in that position easily.”

@94587669qy: “He can shine as 8. If Bellingham goes to Madrid then he would be the best option but not for crazy money”

@farai_mugwati: “This is horsesh*t. Declan Rice can play as 6/Dm and box to box midfield. We need cover on Rodri, he can’t play every game next season.”

@Shawkat440: “Phillips for 40m is what would stop City going for Rice. Without that signing, they would have gone for Rice this year as a Gundo/Bernardo replacement. The fact that Rodri has been overused despite Phillips being there shows what a mess it has been.”

@CharlieCaker: “In as much I don’t believe this , this is actually my fear. Cos if Gundogan leaves, he’s most probably the obvious replacement available in the market.”

@ovdgrid: “Not really. If Gundo leaves and Rice comes, Rice won’t display the offensive brain that Gundo has but defensively, Rice is at least 2x Gundo and that’s a net positive.”

@NickMCFC1894: “I was thinking about that too, but as I mentioned recently Rice in the DM/CB role would be amazing.”