Manchester City 'wary of getting into Declan Rice transfer saga'

Manchester City are reportedly wary of getting involved in a transfer saga for West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice this summer.

The 23-year-old, who has been strongly linked with a move away from the London Stadium, is understood to have rejected a third contract offer from the Hammers, with his current deal expiring in June 2024.

The likes of Manchester United and Chelsea are believed to be interested in signing Rice, while Man City are also preparing to enter the race for his signature.

However, the Daily Telegraph claims that the Citizens remain cautious about whether they should look to recruit the England international, following their failed attempts to lure Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane to the Etihad Stadium last summer.

City would likely need to fork out around £150m if they wish to sign Rice, a similar asking price Spurs chairman Daniel Levy placed on Kane 12 months ago, which Pep Guardiola's side were unwilling to pay.

The Premier League leaders are understood to have identified Rice as a potential replacement for club captain Fernandinho – who is set to leave the Etihad when his contract expires in June – but their primary target remains Borussia Dortmund's Erling Braut Haaland.