John Barnes has backed West Ham midfielder Declan Rice to be the 'perfect fit' for Jurgen Klopp ahead of the summer transfer window.
The England international has been linked with a move away from the London club in recent months, with a number of Premier League clubs reportedly vying for his signature. Chelsea and Manchester United are the clubs most heavily linked, while recent reports have suggested Liverpool could pursue a move for the 23-year-old.
However, he wouldn't come cheap and manager David Moyes has already insisted Rice 'isn't for sale'. He told reporters over the weekend it would cost clubs '£150 million minimum' to prise the star from West Ham.
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Amid the rumours, ex-Red Barnes believes Rice would suit Liverpool 's midfield and says he would be a 'great acquisition' for the club.
"Rice would fit the profile of what Liverpool want," he told BonusCodeBets.co.uk . "He’s a hard-working, strong midfield player who can win tackles, break things up, defend well, and that’s the profile they look for.
"He probably wouldn’t suit a team like Man City, but he can break the game up, cover the full backs if they go up and down, so he would suit Liverpool. But he’s at West Ham and Liverpool haven’t made a bid for him, so it’s speculation.
"If it happens it’s a great acquisition."
Rice has been a standout performer under Moyes this season as they sit sixth in the Premier League table and are still in with a shout of making top four. In Europe, they've been hugely successful and face a Europa League quarter-final tie with Lyon later this week.