Former Liverpool defender Glen Johnson has urged the Reds to make West Ham ace Declan Rice a transfer priority.
The Reds added Colombian winger Luis Diaz to the squad during the January transfer window and were seemingly on the verge of signing Fulham starlet Fabio Carvalho.
Despite still being in contention on all four trophy fronts this season, some have already turned their attention to possible summer targets.
Speaking to Squawka, Johnson – who played 200 times for the Anfield club – suggested that Jurgen Klopp should look no further than Rice.
I don’t think it’ll be long until he goes to a big club, so you want to act while you can. I just think he could be that anchor-man that every top team has. Although I would sign him to sit in midfield, he’s actually got a good engine and good legs as well so he can certainly get around the park. But I’d be signing him just to let him sit and be the triangle between the two centre-halves and the triangle in front of him.
Liverpool would likely face strong competition from Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City for the 27-cap England man.
This season Rice – described as ‘magnificent’ by Gary Lineker – has scored three times and provided four assists in 28 appearances.
READ LIVERPOOL VERDICT
Perhaps Fabinho slipped Johnson’s mind here…
Either way, signing Rice would still be a huge coup for the Reds when it comes to strengthening the squad for the short, medium and long term.
Valued at £67.5million and under contract in London until 2024 (Transfermarkt), the move would certainly be an expensive one.
However, boasting an abundance of high-level attributes and elite experience to boot, the youngster would certainly be a worthwhile acquisition.
Predominantly a defensive-minded midfielder, Rice can also play in the backline and in a more advanced role – versatility that would be invaluable with Fabinho firmly in situ at the base of Klopp’s midfield.
Already linked with West Ham forward Jarrod Bowen, could an audacious double swoop be on the cards?
