Former West Ham and Manchester City star Trevor Sinclair has tipped Declan Rice to leave the Hammers in search of a new challenge at the end of the season. While Manchester United are rumoured to be interested in the midfielder, Sinclair believes that he could be wise to seek a move elsewhere.
The Red Devils reportedly turned down opportunities to land two midfield targets during the January transfer window.
That decision was supposedly taken with the summer in mind, when interim boss Ralf Rangnick will transition to a consultancy role and United's board will appoint a new manager.
According to ESPN, Rice is firmly on the club's shortlist, and they may have cash to burn when Paul Pogba is removed from the wage bill upon the expiration of his contract at the end of the season.
After another stellar campaign in east London, talk continues to swirl regarding whether Rice will join one of the Premier League's big hitters.
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"He is any manager's type of player, because he's top draw. He really has proven that.
When quizzed on where that new challenge may lie, Sinclair opted against Man Utd and tipped a move to their blue-shirted neighbours, whose place in next season's Champions League is more assured at this stage of the campaign.
"Manchester City, yeah, absolutely," he added.
"You look at Fernandinho, he is 37 now, he probably will not re-sign for next season.
Fernandinho could make way for Declan Rice at the end of the campaign (Image: GETTY)
"Rodri has done a great job, but they're going to need two in that pivot role."
Amid an uncertain situation, one thing that does appear nailed-on is that West Ham will receive a mammoth sum if Rice does depart in the summer.
Prices in excess of £100m have been tipped, which would eclipse the British record fee paid by City when they signed Jack Grealish.
Rice's next move could be pivotal in a World Cup year, after he shone for Gareth Southgate's Three Lions during England's run to the Euro 2020 final.