Former Leeds United manager Sam Allardyce believes a player-plus-cash deal could hand Manchester City the advantage in their pursuit of Declan Rice.
City are thought to be stepping up their interest in Rice, with the Athletic reporting on Thursday that an official bid was on the horizon.
Pep Guardiola is expected to further strengthen in midfield, following the imminent arrival of Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea. Rice has attracted interest from several top clubs in the Premier League and across Europe, with Arsenal long considered as frontrunners.
Mikel Arteta's side have submitted two formal offers for the 24-year-old and continue to negotiate with West Ham. The Hammers are thought to already be working hard on replacing their captain, with reports linking them with a move for out-of-favour City man Kalvin Phillips.