Manchester City legend Yaya Toure has said that Chelsea transfer target Declan Rice can become just as good as himself as transfer speculation continues to mount around the West Ham midfielder.
Rice has been linked with moves to Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United ahead of the summer transfer window, with Thomas Tuchel eager to strengthen his midfield options. Although West Ham are expected to demand upwards of £100 million for his services, a move away looks a distinct possibility, particular with the player's past links to Stamford Bridge.
Rice has been in excellent form over the last two seasons, becoming one of the Premier League's standout midfield talents and becoming a first-choice option in Gareth Southgate's England team as well. This season has seen the 23-year-old add more attacking prowess to his repertoire as well, scoring four goals and providing four assists in all competitions.
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It is a run of form that has now drawn him praise from one of the finest midfielders to ever grace the Premier League. During his time with City, Toure won three Premier League titles, and became one of the most exciting players in the division, scoring 79 goals, many of them spectacular.
Rice has previously revealed that he has studied videos of the Ivory Coast legend to improve his midfield output. In an interview with The Times, Toure has now responded to the news, saying: "You want a response from an actual footballer, it makes you feel good. When a player says he wants to be like that guy, it feels good.”
Toure was then asked if Rice has the potential to become as potent an attacking threat as he was during his time at the Etihad. “Of course," Toure said. "He has the time for it, the knowledge. He will have to meet me because I live in London now. We can talk and I can give him some advice. I am very open to it.”
Rice came so close to helping his country to a first international tournament success since 1966 last summer. Speaking on Southgate's side, Toure spoke highly of Rice and his fellow midfielders: "England are a team of quality and ability. In defence they have work to do but in midfield and attack they have fantastic talent.”
If Tuchel and co. needed an added incentive to push ahead in a move for Rice, then this could well prove exactly that. There are not many teams that would have turned Toure down during his City pomp and if the West Ham star can recreate that prowess, then £100 million will prove money well spent.
