Man City fans think they hold secret advantage for Declan Rice as old photo resurfaces

Declan Rice is a wanted man and some Manchester City fans believe that one picture holds the key to the West Ham United star's future.

It's been accepted for some time now that Rice's long term future would be away from the London Stadium and the Hammers virtually accepted they'd lose him following the Europa Conference League victory last month.

In the past Chelsea were interested in signing the England star but this summer it's Arsenal who have jumped ahead of everyone to get into pole position.

Reports even claimed that the 24-year-old had his 'heart set on' the Gunners as they prepared a club record fee for the midfielder.

Their first bid of £80 million has reportedly been turned down and he could cost as much as £100 million, or the equivalent of one Jack Grealish.

However the big spanner in the works for Mikel Arteta's team could come in the form of his former boss Pep Guardiola, with Manchester City now reportedly interested.

The Treble winners apparently have the biggest budget in the history of football to work with and now fans think Guardiola's side have another advantage.

A picture of Rice playing pool in his house a couple of years ago showed he's got four City shirts on his wall and it's once again doing the rounds on social media.

pic.twitter.com/9L1IYw5MkQ

— The American Cityzen (@CityzenAmerica) June 15, 2023

Whilst many rival fans were pointing out that the West Ham star collects shirts it is certainly noticeable how many City ones he's picked up.

The picture was two years ago so he could have even taken a couple more from the European champions in the intervening time.

Guardiola reportedly wanted to sign Jude Bellingham this summer to bolster his already stacked midfield but the teenager moved to Real Madrid instead.

Whilst the team from the Etihad Stadium already have a ridiculously strong squad, they could lose Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva this summer.

As well as Rice they have been heavily linked with Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic, with the Blues having to offload players before being able to sign anyone.

Kyle Walker could also depart City before next season starts, with reports the full back wasn't happy to miss out on the Champions League final last weekend.