Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola spoke glowingly of West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice during his press conference ahead of City’s crucial home fixture versus the Hammers on Wednesday night.
“He’s an exceptional player,” Guardiola said.
Fabrizio Romano reports that ‘many top clubs’ will be in the race to sign the 24-year-old this summer but his future will likely be dependent on his price tag.
The England international is entering the final year of his contract and West Ham will be reluctant to lose their prized asset on a free next summer.
Rice is valued at €80m on Transfermarkt and one would imagine the East London club will be asking for a fee similar to that number despite his contract situation.
The Hammers captain has made 238 appearances for the club, scoring 14 goals whist providing 13 assists from midfield.
West Ham currently sit 15th in the Premier League table, four points above the drop zone with one game in hand on their relegation rivals.
Mark Marston | Get Football
