Ex-manager names expected winner in Man City, Man United and Liverpool race to sign Declan Rice
Alex McLeish has tipped Manchester City to beat Manchester United and Liverpool to the signing of West Ham star Declan Rice next summer.
The former Scotland manager, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the 22-year-old could be the “heir” to Fernandinho at the Etihad Stadium.
As reported by Eurosport (7th September), the three Premier League giants are all in the hunt to sign the West Ham star next summer.
The Irons reportedly value the midfielder at £100million.
McLeish admitted interest from Liverpool, City and Manchester United could turn Rice’s head.
He suggested Pep Guardiola’s men could see off their north west rivals next summer.
“There’s no doubt that Declan’s head would be turned by the thought of one of these clubs,” McLeish told Football Insider’s Russell Edge.
“It must be an exciting time in his life. He’s playing great football for club and country. That’s all he can continue to do and continue to concentrate on.
“Let everybody else do the talking. The main thing for West Ham is that he’s playing to the level every week until something happens.
“It looks inevitable something will happen.”
Asked if he thought any of the trio of suitors could be considered favourites, McLeish said: “Possibly City. They’ve got players who are maybe a little bit more experienced and in terms of age.
“He could be heir to the throne for Fernandinho.
“Fernandinho is a tremendous player. He has played a tremendous strategy for Man City over the years.
“Now we see young English and British guys emerging as holding midfielders and playing a specialist position. They’re playing it in a really good way.”
In other news, David Moyes planning to axe ‘untouchable’ West Ham star this season.