Liverpool have reportedly pulled out of the pursuit of West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice, a target for Chelsea and Manchester United.
According to the Football Insider, Liverpool have decided not to pursue Declan Rice anymore, even though manager Jurgen Klopp is a huge admirer of the midfielder. Rice’s future at West Ham is unclear, as he has knocked back multiple contract offers from the club while courting interest from Chelsea, Manchester United, and others.
A West Ham United product, Rice was first promoted to the first team in the 2017/18 season and made his Premier League debut that term. He made 31 appearances for the club across competitions, cementing his spot in the team for the next season.
Since the 2018/19 season, Rice has been a mainstay for West Ham, playing a crucial role in their consistent push for a UEFA Champions League berth over the last two seasons. This season, the 23-year-old has made 38 appearances for the Hammers, scoring four and assisting four goals in the process.
Rice seems to have reached his maximum potential with the Hammers and is eager for a move to a bigger club where he can target silverware. The likes of Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea have been heavily linked with the midfielder, with the Red Devils reportedly the favourites to sign the English international.
Manchester United were rumoured to be interested in the midfielder last season as well, but a move did not materialise. But they will have one fewer competitor for the England international’s signing as Liverpool have pulled out as they expect him to cost much more than they could afford right now.
With two years remaining on his contract after the current season, West Ham will demand a substantial transfer fee. With the biggest English clubs, like Chelsea and Manchester United, interested in his signature, the transfer saga could go on for long, although Liverpool would like to stay away from it.
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Liverpool already have the likes of Thiago Alcantara, Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita in the midfield unit. The Reds are thus well-stocked and not in desperate need of a central midfielder as the other sides in Rice’s pursuit. As for Chelsea and Manchester United, it remains to be seen if either club succeeds in pursuit of the West Ham ace.
