Exclusive by CandH northern man Terry Robbins
Manchester City will not be entering the race to sign Declan Rice this summer, our sources at the Etihad have told Claret&Hugh.
Pep Guardiola is a “massive admirer” of our Dec, but City chiefs have instead set aside their transfer cash to sign Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland at the end of the campaign.
That deal could set back the Citizens the best part of £400k a week in wages, on top of the Norwegian’s £65m release clause.
In addition, clubs wanting to buy Haaland are having to budget for another £40m in signing and agent fees.
Rivals Manchester United had feared City would be Rice’s preferred destination if the pair got involved in a bidding war, but that is now off the table.
It’s understood City believe Irons are entitled to ask over £100m for Rice and they already have Spanish midfielder Rodri impressing this term.
Guardiola would love to have Rice and Rodri rotating but even City can’t justify paying the type of cash required to secure Dec and him not being a regular starter.
Our City source in Manchester said: “Pep is really impressed by Rice but he knows the club need to prioritise a world class forward this summer after playing two seasons without a recognised striker.
“The overall package to sign Haaland means City can’t afford to sign Rice as well. They believe West Ham are well within their rights to demand what they want for him, but City can’t make the numbers work and will sign a cheaper defensive midfield option instead.”
So if you want a decent striker it’s £100 million plus £400,000 a week. The world has gone mad!
Declan is going nowhere
So it’s only Chelsea or abroad then if we don’t get Europe this year and win NOTHING
What race; I didn’t hear a call to starting orders!
Don’t be a pedant 🙂