Manchester City have joined the battle for West Ham midfielder Declan Rice.

The Daily Mail says City, who have been gazumped by Manchester United in recent years for Alexis Sanchez and Cristiano Ronaldo, are ready to back Pep Guardiola in the transfer market and dent Erik Ten Hag's impact at Old Trafford following his appointment last week.

Though a deal for £63million Dortmund striker Erling Haaland has already been agreed, City bosses have made it clear they can go after Rice as well with club captain Fernandinho departing to leave a vacancy in midfield.

The prospect of challenging for trophies under Pep Guardiola would be more attractive to 23-year-old Rice than having to help rebuild a club which needs 'open-heart surgery' according to their current interim Ralf Rangnick.

It's understood that City have already requested to be kept informed of Rice's future plans and made it clear they are a viable destination.