Liverpool transfers: Journalist shares Declan Rice's expected price-tag this summer

Interested clubs are expecting to pay between £70 and £80m to sign reported Liverpool target Declan Rice this summer.

That’s according to journalist Ben Jacobs. Writing for Caught Offside today, Jacobs reports that West Ham United have become ‘resigned’ to losing their captain at the end of the season. And despite claims from David Moyes that Rice’s sale could hit the £100m mark, the journalist says ‘suitors’ think it’ll be significantly less.

“Arsenal’s midfield priority will be Declan Rice and West Ham are resigned to losing him. David Moyes, as you’d expect, has been quick to argue if Rice leaves it should be for a British-record transfer fee. But suitors are hoping for a fee of £70-80m. This is ultimately because Rice’s contract expires in summer 2024,” said Jacobs.

This could be good news for Liverpool. They’re looking to find value in the market for their midfield regeneration. Although obviously not cheap, that sounds like a more reasonable fee for a very good player. However, according to Jacobs, Liverpool aren’t the favourites here.

“Chelsea also really want Rice. Manchester United and Newcastle United can’t be ruled out either, although I understand Rice’s preference is to stay in London. That won’t be a deal-breaker, but Arsenal and Chelsea can certainly use it to their advantage,” he said.

“Rice also wants Champions League football. Whether or not that means instantly remains to be seen, but Arsenal can clearly use this to their advantage given where they are heading. Rice has also spoken glowingly about Arteta. So it’s probably fair to term Arsenal the favourites right now.”

Liverpool lagging behind in Rice chase

As with all of Liverpool’s transfer business over the last two years or so, this will have a lot to do with their pursuit of Jude Bellingham. Should the Reds land their number one target, a move for Rice will probably prove to be too costly.

If Liverpool end up missing out on the Borussia Dortmund man though, West Ham’s midfield general would be a great alternative. He’d also be a cheaper one too by the sounds of it.

Of course, we can’t ignore the elephant in the room. If Rice, and Bellingham for that matter want Champions League football, Liverpool probably can’t offer it next season.

Where they could at least once promise stability throughout the club, they can’t even offer that anymore. As a result, their pursuit for a Rice-type signing to go with Bellingham, should they get him, may become more difficult.

Certainly right now, you can see why an upwardly-mobile Arsenal would be more attractive than a stumbling Liverpool.

Still, the Reds will aim to be convincing signings that this season has been a minor blip. Looking at their track record over the last five years, they can certainly make a good case that it is. With players as good as Rice on board, that would surely become a reality. £80m isn’t too great-a price to pay for that.

Keep up to date with all the latest Liverpool news and opinion by following Rousing The Kop’s official Facebook page