West Ham teenage sensation Declan Rice seen as Manchester City’s long-term replacement for Fernandinho

Manchester City reportedly see West Ham teenager Declan Rice as their long-term replacement for Fernandinho.

The Brazilian midfielder is 33 but is showing no signs of decline just yet but City are already thinking about the future.

According to The Sun, the highly-rated Rice is a player who has caught the eye of Pep Guardiola and his coaching staff.

The 19-year-old is widely regarded as one of the brightest prospects in the Premier League and has become a first team regular this season.

Rice signed a new long-term contract with the Hammers in December that would see him stay at the club until 2024.

There had been intense speculation over his future as his previous deal was due to expire in 2020.

City, though, see many similarities between him and Fernandinho and believe he could be a replacement.

The Brazilian defensive midfielder’s importance to Guardiola’s side was evident when City lost two of the three matches he missed through injury in December.