Liverpool could now reportedly sign £70m midfielder who left Jude Bellingham amazed

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West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice is on Liverpool’s list of Jude Bellingham alternatives this summer.

The big news this morning is that the Reds have pulled out of the race to sign Bellingham. In the end, Liverpool have simply left themselves with too much to do this summer. As a result, they need the Jude money to go further.

To that end, there are still plenty of names being thrown into the mix. Liverpool still need two or three midfielders ahead of next season. Theoretically armed with a decent-sized budget, they should still be able to bring in some quality players.

And according to journalist Florian Plettenburg, that’s exactly what they’re aiming to do. Writing on Twitter, Plettenburg named five players who the Reds are ‘confirmed’ to be ‘discussing’ – including Rice.

“Still on the shortlist and being discussed with Klopp confirmed: Rice, Caicedo, Barella, Gravenberch and Nunes,” wrote the German journalist. “Klopp 100% involved in the decision not to buy Bellingham. Decision was taken with the owners.”

Whatever your thoughts on losing out on Bellingham, there are still some brilliant potential signings in there. If Liverpool go and get two or three from that list, they’ll be in far stronger position come August.

Rice not a bad consolation for Liverpool

Liverpool have been linked with a move for Rice for a little while now, that’s not new. But in the past, it’s always felt as though he couldn’t possibly be brought in alongside Bellingham.

With a reported price-tag of anything from £70m upwards, the Reds couldn’t afford the two England men together.

But now that Bellingham is seemingly out of the picture, the door to sign Rice should become ajar. Certainly, it appears almost certain that the 24-year-old will be leaving West Ham this summer.

Although the Hammers are looking likely to beat the Premier League drop, there’s a resignation that Rice is now playing at a lower level than he should be.

Ironically, Bellingham has been a player who has long been extolling the virtues of his England midfield partner. After Rice bagged a rare goal for the Three Lions against Italy last month, the Borussia Dortmund star took to Instagram to declare ‘what a player.’

Not that Liverpool should need too much encouragement – Rice has been showing his qualities for years. He may not be the England midfielder Reds fans were hoping for this summer, but he’d still be an excellent signing. Let’s see how all this develops.