England: Declan Rice and Ben Chilwell show skills in training
Manchester United could well have the upper hand in the race to sign Declan Rice from West Ham, with Manchester City reportedly taking a bizarre approach to the transfer battle.
Rice is set to be a man in demand this summer, with both Manchester clubs interested in signing him.
The midfielder was wanted by Chelsea last summer, with Frank Lampard eager to fork out £73million for him.
However, Chelsea officials were reluctant to fork out that much for a player they allowed to leave for nothing as a youngster.
As a result, he is now being eyed up by both Manchester clubs.
Man Utd have upper hand over Man City in Declan Rice transfer battle due to curious stance (Image: GETTY)
West Ham are desperate to keep hold of him, and want to receive a fee of at least £100m in order to let him go.
And according to The Times, that fee will be an issue for City.
The Champions League finalists and soon-to-be Premier League champions have apparently decided that they won't pay that much for England international Rice, because there's no guarantee he'll be starting next season.
City are eager to sign a long-term replacement for Fernandinho, who is stalling on signing a new contract.
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But despite Rice being recognised as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League, City have apparently decided that he would have to compete for his spot in Pep Guardiola's side, should he join.
Rodri has cemented his spot in the City side since joining from Atletico Madrid for £60m last summer.
But Fernandinho is still yet to sign a new contract, leaving club officials fearing the 36-year-old could depart before long.
Competition for places is less likely to be an issue at United, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reportedly eager to sign a replacement for Fred.
Man Utd have upper hand over Man City in Declan Rice transfer battle due to curious stance (Image: GETTY)