Manchester City are being encouraged to join the battle for West Ham midfielder Declan Rice.

The Irons have already rejected two offers of £70m and £90m for the club captain from Arsenal.

However, ESPN says City could now come into the equation with West Ham keen on Kalvin Phillips.

The Irons see Phillips as a direct replacement for Rice and that raises the prospect of City offering a cash-plus-player deal.

Phillips has stated this week he wants to stay with City next season, though things could change if West Ham continue to offer the Treble winners encouragement over Rice.