Liverpool could only justify reported Declan Rice price in one instance

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West Ham United set a huge asking price on Declan Rice, according to reports. If true, Liverpool should back away in all but one case.

This comes from Talksport. They claim that West Ham United have an asking price of at least £100m on Declan Rice.

They’ll only consider offers in that range and higher.

It’s an enormous price and one we don’t think Liverpool should pay. In fact, we said that back when the supposed price was £80m.

90min have had Liverpool down as interested, after all. They believe the Reds could move for Rice.

And we do see one instance where it would make sense.

Replacement

We’ve mentioned before that £50m for Rice could be a bargain if he replaced Jordan Henderson long-term. Henderson will be a nightmare to replace, after all.

The captain does so much for Liverpool in just about every area of the game. But he’s entering his 30s with a history of injury problems – he’ll need replacing.

That doesn’t need to be this summer, though. Liverpool should prioritise other areas and that’s why Rice’s price doesn’t make sense to us.

But it quickly does make sense if Liverpool see Rice as a perfect replacement. And we mean perfect – the absolute best option possible.

And Rice could truly be that. He’s a versatile 22-year-old with years of Premier League experience and who can captain a side as a leader.

Add to that his natural ability and you’ve got a great signing for anyone.

But he’s a particularly natural replacement for Henderson and a long-term one at that. If Liverpool truly think he’s the perfect successor, then £100m makes sense.

It’ll be so difficult to replace what Henderson bring. If Liverpool do find the ideal replacement, they can just about justify a huge fee.

But if Rice is anything short of that in their evaluation, £100m should be out of the question. Their priorities are elsewhere.