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Pep Guardiola’s comments could be ominous for West Ham

Josep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City celebrates following his side's victory during the FA Community Shield between Manchester City and Chel...
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Manchester City have already been linked with West Ham’s Declan Rice.

Declan Rice of West Ham United celebrates his first Premier League goal with Samir Nasri (R) during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Arsenal FC at London Stadium on...

According to The Sun, Manchester City are considering a £50 million move for West Ham ace Declan Rice as Fernandinho’s replacement.

Rice showed his quality by scoring a winner against Arsenal at the weekend, drawing widespread plaudits.

Jamie Redknapp compared him to Fernandinho, telling The Mail: “Pellegrini worked with Fernandinho at Manchester City. While Rice still has much to learn, against Arsenal he played like the Brazilian at his best.”

It’s comments from City boss Pep Guardiola though, which should have West Ham worried.

Josep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City celebrates following his side's victory during the FA Community Shield between Manchester City and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on August 5, 2018...

He admitted he is looking for a Fernandinho replacement, and said it is tough to find players who arecapable.

Quoted by France24, Guardiola said: “Specifically with Fernandinho’s role, it’s so difficult to find. He knows the Premier League, after three years together here, he knows everything and that’s so important.”

It makes sense that Guardiola would look to a player in the Premier League to replace the Brazilian. It appears he does not want to spend time transitioning a player in from a new league for such an important role.

Rice is young, and fits the bill. Redknapp’s comparison might not have helped. But reports suggest the West Ham ace is well on City’s radar anyhow.

West Ham United's Declan Rice and Pablo Zabaleta celebrate at the end of the game during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Arsenal FC at London Stadium on January 12,...