Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing West Ham star Declan Rice this summer. The 23-year-old has been consistently linked with a move to Chelsea but with the club unable to sign players until a new owner is in place, rivals for his signature appear to have stolen a march.
Rice is enjoying another impressive campaign and has evolved beyond merely being a holding/defensive midfielder, with his driving runs from the middle of the park becoming a real feature of his game. He’s also proven himself on the European stage as an integral part of the West Ham side that have reached the quarter-finals of the Europa League.
According to Football Insider Jurgen Klopp believes the England star would be a great addition to his side, but is unlikely to be given the funds to sign Rice. Hammers boss David Moyes recently revealed at a press conference that £150 million would be the minimum required to secure his services.
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Rice started off in Chelsea’s academy but was released in 2014 and has been perennially linked with a return to the club. However, due to sanctions placed upon the Blues by the UK government it seems unlikely that Stamford Bridge could be a possible destination if he leaves east London this summer.
With Jorginho and N’Golo Kante both in their 30’s central midfield is thought to be an area the club are keen to strengthen. However, with Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen set to leave on free transfers when their contracts expire in June, sorting the defence is likely to be the priority when they’re able to sign new players.
Rice’s contract at the London Stadium runs until the summer of 2024 and West Ham do have an option to extend his deal by a further year. However, he is expected to leave the club in the near future for Champions League football and to win silverware.
