Man City news: Pundit claims ‘door is open’ for mega-money Declan Rice deal after new twist
Noel Whelan has claimed the “door is open” for Man City to sign West Ham star Declan Rice with Ilkay Gundogan and Fernandinho set to leave the Etihad Stadium.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the Irons’ failure to qualify for the Europa League could also play a part in a potential move.
Fernandinho, 37, called time on his trophy-laden career at Man City on Sunday (22 May) after Pep Guardiola’s side secured the Premier League title with a win at home against Aston Villa.
According to the Daily Mail‘s Mike Keegan (17 May), Gundogan, 31, is set to leave the club this summer.
The Telegraph claimed last month (25 April) that Man City are weighing up a summer move for Rice.
Whelan suggested offloading Fernandinho and Gundogan would free up a wage that could be used to tempt the England midfielder to join.
“What servants those two have been for the club over the years,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“They’re undoubtedly still two of the best midfielders in the Premier League. It will be sad to see them move on.
“However, you can never rule out Man City doing a massive piece of business at any given time.
“It’s all clicking into place, isn’t it? These two could potentially both leave, West Ham missed out on the Europa League – the door is open.
“If they can offload Fernandinho and Gundogan that will free up a wage.
“City can go out and offer that to Rice – but there’s also the question of fee.
“The money is always there at Man City – and Pep Guardiola always gets what he wants.”
In other news, Danny Mills swipes at Uefa in new claim after “unsavoury” Man City development.