Former Liverpool defender Graeme Souness believes West Ham and England midfielder Declan Rice is an "obvious replacement" for Fernandinho at Manchester City.
Fernandinho is out-of-contract at the end of the season and it seems unlikely that he will put pen to paper on a new deal at the Etihad Stadium, given his advancing age.
His likely exit will see City finding themselves a man down in the defensive-midfield berth, even though Rodri remains Pep Guardiola's first choice option and has impressed this season.
However, City's tendency to sign players when they are performing at the very top of their game — just as they did with Jack Grealish during the summer window — could force their hand to make a big-money move for Rice.
That is according to Souness, who believes City could help Rice take his game to the next level, though they may have to fend off competition from Manchester United and Chelsea.
"Jack Grealish's transfer from Aston Villa to Manchester City for £100million means that's where the bidding is likely to start for Rice, who's four years younger at 22," Souness told the Sunday Times.
"City already have the strongest group of players in the history of English football, but still collect the best players they can.
"Yes, they have Rodri, but Fernandinho's 36 and in the final six months of his contract, so Rice is an obvious replacement because they have the finances and are buying when they are on top.
"City, Chelsea and United will all pay a premium for Rice. The only argument you can offer if you're buying is that he's not a striker and that's where the big money generally goes. It might take Rice to another level."
The England international — who MEN Sport understands is a concrete target for United — has gone from strength-to-strength in recent months, making himself one of the most in-demand players in the Premier League.
Whilst Souness still wants to see more from the Hammers ace, the Sky Sports pundit has been impressed by what he has seen.
Souness added: "At first, I feared he might become one of those 'steady Eddies' who play it safe and square all the time and say they 'recycle possession' rather than have an impact on matches for their teams.
"Now I reckon Rice is going to be an in-demand footballer with the bigger clubs. Whether it's Manchester United, Chelsea or Manchester City. I don't think Liverpool will be in the chase for him, but the other three will.
"My doubts were whether he’d have enough football in him to play in midfield. He could, ultimately, still play at the back, but right now that would be like tying his bootlaces together because he has so much energy to burn and the technique to get out of tight areas.
"I still want him to see the picture and deliver the pass earlier, to make more telling passes in the final third, but that could come with confidence and he rarely gives the ball away."
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