Jamie Redknapp has compared West Ham’s Declan Rice to Manchester City ace Fernandinho.
Pundit Jamie Redknapp has told the Daily Mail that he thinks West Ham United’s Declan Rice is just like Fernandinho – and believes Manchester City will be interested in the youngster.
West Ham’s famed academy has slowed down in recent years, but it appears to be humming once again, with winger Grady Diangana certainly impressing out wide this season.
However, the main name emerging from the youth ranks is holding midfielder Rice, who featured as a centre back last season before switching into his new role.
The 19-year-old, who was formerly on the Chelsea books, joined West Ham in 2014, and has been arguably their shining light so far this term.
Now at the centre of a tug-of-war between England and the Republic of Ireland, Rice’s stock is high right now, and West Ham have yet to agree a new contract with the teenager.
Other Premier League clubs are now keen on signing Rice, and Jamie Redknapp believes Manchester City will be one of them.
Redknapp has told the Daily Mail that he wouldn’t be surprised if City are already eyeing up Rice as a potential successor to Fernandinho in holding midfield, and actually compared Rice to the two-time Premier League-winning Brazilian ace in a major compliment.
“Rice has all the hallmarks of Fernandinho, the anchorman of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City midfield,” said Redknapp. “The Brazilian is still performing at the peak of his powers but given he is 33, City will be on the lookout for a long-term replacement.”
“I would not be surprised if Rice is already on their radar, and plays against them in West Ham’s next home game. It will be the biggest test of his fledgling career,” he added.
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