Manchester City identify Fernandinho’s long-term replacement

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola plans to make rising West Ham star Declan Rice his long-term replacement for Fernandinho, claims The Sun.

Fernandinho turns 34 at the end of the season and finding his successor has been Guardiola’s priority since the end of last season.

The defending Premier League champions wanted to sign Fred or Jorginho in the summer, but missed out on both players to Manchester United and Chelsea, respectively.

City have also been heavily linked with Ajax starlet Frenkie De Jong this season but interest from Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona has inflated his valuation to astronomical levels.

Guardiola now has his sights set on West Ham midfielder Rice, though the Spaniard is adamant City will not make any signings this month.

The 19-year-old only signed a new long-term deal with West Ham at the end of December, putting the Hammers in a strong position when it comes to determining his future.

Rice has established himself as a fundamental part of Manuel Pellegrini’s midfield this season, starting all but three of West Ham’s league matches.

The teenage sensation is subject of an international tug-of-war between Republic of Ireland and England and could soon find himself embroiled in a huge transfer saga at club level as well.

Of the 77 teenagers to have featured in one of Europe’s top five leagues this season, Rice has completed the most tackles (44).