Danny Murphy says West Ham United star Declan Rice would have been ‘perfect’ for Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool as he closes in on a transfer to Arsenal.
The former Liverpool midfielder added that the Reds were ‘initially’ in the market for the West Ham United captain, but the transfer fee on his head is now too much.
It’s been suggested that Arsenal are going to pay ‘£100m+’ for Declan Rice, and for Murphy, that’s the type of money that Liverpool simply wouldn’t want to put on the table, as he told FIVE.

Liverpool’s first signing of the 2023 summer transfer window is perhaps an indication of what road they are going to go down.
In comparison to other deals, or other deals that are expected to take place, paying only £35 million for Brighton’s Alexis Mac Allister, in this inflated market, is some business.
That’s a sign of things to come it seems, as Murphy expressed just how well Rice would have suited his former club.
“I think they definitely need someone else that’s physical,” said Murphy. “My ideal would be Rice.
“But I don’t think we are in the market. I know they initially were. Now it’s going up to £100m+. I don’t think (Liverpool will pay that). But he would be perfect.
“I can’t think of anyone more perfect than what Liverpool needs than him.”
Rice ready for the step up
The England international will bow out of West Ham as a trophy-winner after securing the Europa Conference League in Prague.
It ended the Hammers’ 43-year wait for a trophy and Rice was at the heart of it all, including lifting the trophy itself.
But now he is ready for that step up, to that elite team that wants to win the Premier League title and is in the Champions League.
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