Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice at the end of the season.
According to a report from Football Insider, Liverpool will be keeping tabs on West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice during the World Cup, ahead of a potential move in the summer transfer window. The Hammers might demand around £150 million for the English international.
The 23-year-old has established himself as one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League, and it is no surprise that the top clubs like Liverpool are keen on securing his services. The report adds that Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is a massive admirer of the 23-year-old defensive midfielder, and he believes that Rice would be a perfect fit for his midfield.
It is no secret that Liverpool desperately need midfield reinforcements, and the England international could prove to be a quality long-term acquisition.
The likes of Jordan Henderson and James Milner are past their peak, and both players will need replacing soon. Furthermore, players like Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are likely to be on their way out of the club when their contract expires at the end of the season. That leaves Liverpool with Thiago Alcantara and Fabinho as the only reliable midfield options, and Klopp needs to add more depth to the area.
Rice has already proven himself in the Premier League and he was excellent during the Euro 2020 with England as well. He has the potential to play for a top club and he could certainly improve Liverpool in the middle of the park. The West Ham captain is excellent when it comes to screening the back four and his arrival could help Liverpool tighten up defensively.
Furthermore, the English international has shown great improvement in the other areas of his game over the past year. Rice has developed into a capable passer, and he is impressive at driving team the forward as well. It will be interesting to see if Liverpool can agree on a fee with West Ham for the midfielder in the coming months.
There have been reports that the Hammers could demand a fee of around £150 million for him/ But it is highly unlikely that the Reds will agree to pay that kind of money for Rice. The player is entering the final 18 months of his contract at the London club, and he will be a free agent in the summer of 2024.
If Rice refuses to sign an extension with West Ham in the coming months, the Hammers could be forced to consider selling him for a more reasonable fee at the end of the season.
