Pep Guardiola’s Declan Rice verdict could signal new Man City transfer decision

Pep Guardiola has already made his feelings clear about Declan Rice, calling him “an exceptional player” last month.

Perhaps out of all his potential destinations this summer, Manchester City wasn’t one of the strongest shouts. Mateo Kovacic looks set to come in as a direct replacement for Barcelona-bound Ilkay Gundogan.

The City captain was tipped to leave the Etihad this summer, with Bernardo Silva likely to follow through the exit door too. Rice would not be a direct replacement for the Portugal maestro, should Pep Guardiola sanction a move for the West Ham captain.

Reports on Thursday suggested that City are to launch a pursuit of the man priced at £100m. When you buy four-time Champions League winner Kovacic for just £30m, you can afford to indulge a little.

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The midfielder who usually plays centrally also has the ability to play as deep as Rice does, which makes the apparent pursuit of the England star interesting. It’s not like City are lacking cover there.

Rodri is one of Europe’s top midfielders right now and is getting into every team of the season around. John Stones has shown world-class traits when he moves into pivot position, a role that has seen him thrive to the next level.

When Kovacic arrives and if Rice is signed, that leaves Kalvin Phillips in the lurch with a decision to make. The Yorkshireman only made his full Premier League debut after City had bagged the title.

His two-and-a-bit months on the sidelines with a shoulder injury amid the start of the season seems to have hampered the bedding-in process.

Phillips still managed to make the England World Cup squad but was scorned by Guardiola upon his return.

Asked why Phillips didn’t