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West Ham United may well hope that Declan Rice does not turn in another brilliant performance against Manchester City on Wednesday.
The Sun reported earlier this month that City were lining up a raid on English talent in the summer, with £50million-rated Rice on a shortlist also including Crystal Palace’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Leicester City’s Ben Chilwell.
On the chalkboard
Rice has been in exceptional form for the Hammers thus far this season, turning in superb performances against both Arsenal and Liverpool.
In the former game, he scored his first senior goal for the Irons as they won 1-0 but another sterling display could be something of a double-edged sword.
City will have scouted Rice prior to Wednesday’s game, of course, but he could offer Pep Guardiola a timely reminder of his attributes if he repeats his previous displays against top-six opposition at the London Stadium.
With Fernandinho injured during the Carabao Cup final, defensive midfield appears to be the one position where City lack the depth so prevalent across the board.
A move for Rice makes all the sense in the world, then, but he remains the jewel in the Hammers’ crown this season.
Indeed, he has made himself indispensable to manager Manuel Pellegrini, playing 28 times in all competitions, and finding himself in contention for an England call-up after declaring his intention to play for the Three Lions over the Republic of Ireland.
Per WhoScored, Rice makes an average of 2.8 tackles per game, along with 1.6 interceptions and 0.4 fouls. On the ball, he averages a pass completion rate of 86.2%, from 44.3 passes per game.
Proving his worth to City on Wednesday, then, would benefit the Hammers on the night but may ultimately see him exit the London Stadium this summer.
Perfect for City
Rice appears to fit the exact profile of player that City need.
Fernandinho is injury-prone and will be 34 in May, with Guardiola needing to bring in fresh blood to compete in the position.
West Ham are sure to demand a pretty penny but the champions have the resources required to buy practically any player in world football.
A £50m move would thoroughly compensate the east London side but they are unlikely to find a replacement any time soon.
Ultimately, they may have to hope Rice flops on Wednesday and that City decide to turn their attention elsewhere, such is the pricelessness of the midfielder to the Hammers.