Assessing the midfielders who could replace Declan Rice at West Ham

D eclan Rice will be on the move this summer. West Ham chairman David Sullivan has confirmed the captain will be leaving and Arsenal have made a series of bids. With Europa League football on the horizon and up to £100m coming in for Rice, West Ham will be looking for a high-quality replacement. Here are 10 midfielders who could fit the bill.

The Fulham midfielder had a very impressive first season in England after his move from Sporting last summer. His ability to win possession and protect the back four would make him an ideal replacement for Rice. Palhinha made 147 tackles in the Premier League this season – at least 47 more than any other player in the division, with Moises Caicedo (100) the only other player to hit three figures. Palhinha’s tackle success rate of 70% is one of the best in the league. The one issue could be discipline; the Portugal international committed 48 fouls and received more yellow cards (14) than any other player in the league, which meant he missed three games through suspension.

Álvarez, who was close to joining Chelsea last summer, may be tempted to move to London this year. Borussia Dortmund are also interested in the Ajax player, and with Jude Bellingham’s transfer to Real Madrid complete, they look the favourites to sign him. Álvarez is a similar player to Rice. He averaged an impressive 2.3 tackles and 1.2 interceptions per game this season, despite playing in a team that had the highest possession (66.7%) in the Eredivisie. Álvarez’s ability on the ball would suit West Ham’s counterattacking game – this season he had a pass success rate of 88.9% and made 238 successful long passes from his own half to the opposition half.

A number of Southampton players will be on the move this