'Cheaper and better' - Man City legend delivers exciting verdict on Declan Rice transfer alternative

Manchester City icon Rodney Marsh believes the club would be signing someone 'cheaper and better' than West Ham midfielder Declan Rice should they swoop for Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong.

Pep Guardiola has found himself in need of more quality in the middle of the park ahead of next season following the departure of captain Ilkay Gundogan. The German midfielder has been a key part of City's spine over recent seasons - bagging important goals to win the Premier League on the last day of the season in 2021/22 as well as this year's FA Cup final.

But after the expiration of his contract at the Etihad Gundogan has now signed for Spanish outfit Barcelona - leaving a big hole for Guardiola to fill. Former Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic has arrived for £25million but such was Gundogan's importance, more players may be needed to perform different roles - particularly if Berardo Silva follows him out the door as well.

That has led to recent reports that City could swoop for Barca player De Jong, who was widely linked with a move to bitter rivals Manchester United last summer. The Sun reports that Pep Guardiola is 'mulling over' a bid for the Netherlands international with Barcelona's precarious financial position meaning the 26-year-old could be sold in order to raise funds.

READ MORE: City get clear message from Arsenal after Declan Rice battle

It has been claimed that a bid of £90million could be enough to tempt Barca to sell up - £15m less than Arsenal are expected to pay for West Ham midfielder Declan Rice. City walked away from a deal for Rice after putting a £90m bid in only to see that offer rebuffed by West Ham - clearing the way for the England international to join Premier League rivals Arsenal.

But Marsh appears