Saturday's Manchester City transfer talk news roundup: Declan Rice, Dayot Upamecano

The January transfer window is now open, with Manchester City continuing to be linked with a host of big names.

Pep Guardiola's side have endured an inconsistent first half of the season and could look to dip their toe into the transfer market again despite a relatively big-spending summer.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up the latest news on possible comings and goings at the Etihad.

Saturday morning's Manchester City transfer talk news roundup:

West Ham United slash Declan Rice asking price to £50m?

© Reuters

West Ham United are prepared to accept a cut-price offer of £50m for midfielder Declan Rice this summer, according to a report.

The England international is rumoured to have come close to joining Chelsea last year, only for the Blues - where he spent time as a youngster - to pull out of a deal.

Chelsea are still in the running to sign Rice at the end of the campaign, while fellow Premier League heavyweights Manchester City, Liverpool and Manchester United are also supposedly keen.

West Ham were holding out for close to £80m last summer, but 90 min claims that the Hammers will settle for a far lower amount in the next window.

It is suggested that United are keen to recoup some money given the large amounts lost through ticketing sales and sponsorship deals during the coronavirus pandemic.

Rice's father Sean is rumoured to have taken over as the holding midfielder's agent, meanwhile, meaning that all clubs will have to deal directly with him should they match West Ham's valuation.

Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United 'join Chelsea in race for Declan Rice'

© Reuters

Chelsea reportedly face growing competition from their Premier League rivals for West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice.

The Blues have long been considered the favourites to sign Rice, who previously spent time in their academy system.

Rice was rumoured to be close to joining Chelsea last summer, but the West London outfit could not justify splashing out more money after spending £120m on other players.

According to 90min, Chelsea are still interested in signing the England international, though they now face competition from at least three other teams.

Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool are all rumoured to be in the running to land Rice, potentially leaving the 22-year-old with a tough decision to make if West Ham's valuation is met.

The same report indicates that Chelsea and City consider Rice more of a centre-back, whereas Liverpool and Man United intend to keep him in his current holding-midfield position.

More transfer news from Manchester City:

Man United, Man City, Chelsea to rival Bayern Munich for Dayot Upamecano?
Three Premier League clubs, including Manchester United, are reportedly prepared to rival Bayern Munich in the race to sign RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano. Read more.