Manchester City are 'preparing' to make a formal offer for West Ham United and England midfielder Declan Rice.
That is according to a report by ESPN, who claim that City are ready to rival Arsenal for his signature by making an official bid. City are understood to have identified Rice as a potential target this summer and have been exploring the prospect of attempting to lure him to the Etihad Stadium.
The 24-year-old, who started England's 7-0 win over North Macedonia on Monday at Old Trafford, is widely expected to leave West Ham this summer after going from strength to strength over the last few seasons. Arsenal have made him their top midfield target and have already seen two bids for his signature rejected, including a club-record offer.
It is reported that City have been 'monitoring' Arsenal's attempts to sign Rice and now weighing up a move of their own after being informed by Ilkay Gundogan that he will not be staying at the club. He is expected to soon finalise a switch to Barcelona.
READ MORE: City would have endless midfield combinations if Declan Rice signs
Therefore, City are now said to be readying a move for Rice to try and bolster their midfield options, despite already being on the cusp of signing Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea. West Ham value Rice at around £100million and Arsenal are expected to table a third bid.
Rice made a total of 50 appearances for the Hammers this season, playing a key role in helping them win the Europa Conference League title. He also chipped in with five goals and grabbed four assists.
Meanwhile, Burnley have 'opened talks' with City to sign goalkeeper James Trafford. That is according to a report by Football Insider, which claims Clarets boss Vincent Kompany is a 'big admirer' of the 20-year-old shot-stopper.
Trafford spent the whole of the 2022/23 campaign on loan at League One side Bolton Wanderers, helping them win the EFL Trophy and finish in the play-off places. It is claimed that Kompany attended Bolton's play-off semi-final first-leg against Barnsley last month to watch the goalkeeper in person.
Furthermore, Kompany, who guided Burnley to the Championship title in the most recent campaign, believes the City youngster would be an ideal addition to his squad as he prepares the Clarets for life back in the Premier League. The report claims that City value Trafford at £20million, but Burnley hope to get a deal over the line for around the £15m mark.
