Liverpool could be set to make a huge summer swoop for West Ham midfielder Declan Rice, according to The Guardian.
For a long time, it looked as though the 22-year-old would eventually head back to Chelsea, where he spent much of his youth career, but Frank Lampard’s departure from Stamford Bridge could see that possibility end.
The report stated that the Reds are looking to ‘refresh’ their squad in the summer and Rice could be a significant part of that transition. Any move for the England regular wouldn’t come cheap as the Hammers were believed to be demanding £80m for their ever-present talisman.
Jurgen Klopp could well be in the market for a central midfielder as Georgino Wijnaldum’s future at Anfield looks more doubtful than ever amid contract stalemate and interest from Barcelona.
Rice has been the captain for the majority of and the driving force behind West Ham’s fantastic season so far – the Irons currently sit fourth, ahead of Liverpool as the Reds travel to east London on Sunday.
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Prior to crippling injuries this season, Klopp was blessed with an embarrassment of midfield riches which have been decimated by the depleted backline, with both Fabinho and Jordan Henderson forced to drop into defence.
Signing Rice would immediately remedy the problem and give Klopp continued scope to use Fabinho at the back beyond this season if he saw fit. Also capable of playing in defence, the 10-cap England international has developed year-on-year and is currently enjoying his best start to a campaign.
Replacing Wijnaldum with Rice, albeit different types of players, would be a major positive for the Reds, with their respective ceilings poles apart.
