Liverpool are still interested in West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice and are discussing s move with boss Jurgen Klopp.
Reds fans have been left reeling by the news that Liverpool are backing away from the race for Jude Bellingham.
The Borussia Dortmund star seemingly won’t be heading to Anfield despite so many rumours in recent times.
That means Liverpool will now pivot to other midfielders and Rice appears to be one of them.
Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg reports that Rice is one name still on Liverpool’s wishlist after cooling their Bellingham interest.
It’s stated that Rice is one player Liverpool are discussing with Klopp as they weigh up making a summer bid.
Other names on the list are Moises Caicedo, Nicolo Barella, Ryan Gravenberch and Matheus Nunes.
All of those midfielders are expected to be cheaper than Bellingham and Liverpool could focus on them.
Declan Rice to Arsenal feels more likely
Liverpool may well fancy signing Rice as he nears an exit from West Ham United this summer.
Rice will likely cost around £80million this summer according to a report from The Times in February.
That would at least allow Liverpool to get one more midfielder in alongside him for less Than the Bellingham price tag.
An England international teammate of Bellingham, Rice is a quality midfield player in his own right and can either protect his defence or work as a box-to-box player.
However, Liverpool may be lagging behind in this particular transfer race.
Arsenal have been pushing to sign Rice lately and The Guardian claimed in March that the move is ‘likely’ to happen this summer.
Staying in London may well appeal to Rice and whilst Liverpool may talk over a move for the West Ham star, a move to Arsenal feels more likely right now.
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