Pep Guardiola has lauded Declan Rice amid reports that Liverpool are interested in signing the West Ham captain this summer.
Speaking to the press via Beanyman Sports, the Manchester City manager was full of praise for the England international, with Rice missing last night’s clash against the Premier League leaders through sickness, though that didn’t stop Guardiola from praising the rumoured Liverpool target.
The Catalan manager said: “The quality is there. At set-pieces they are maybe one of the best, scored three goals against Crystal Palace in their last match, they attack the channels with Antonio and Bowen, Declan Rice is an exceptional player.”
The Mirror recently reported that Liverpool are in the running to sign Rice this summer, who looks primed to leave West Ham amid growing interest from some of the biggest clubs in the Premier League, though Arsenal look like early favourites for the Irons’ skipper.
Indeed, Liverpool will need to break the bank if they’re to sign Rice, and after Guardiola’s comments on the West Ham midfielder, there’s a good chance that the Reds could now be priced out of a move for the England international, who easily cost as much as Jude Bellingham.
Guardiola’s praise of Rice could add a few million to his asking price
West Ham are aware that they’re sitting on a gold mine with Rice, and whilst Liverpool could just about afford the 24-year-old’s current asking price, Guardiola’s recent praise might have just added a few million to the Hammers’ demands for their star player.
Whilst central midfield is a key position for Liverpool, the Reds pulled out of Bellingham due to how much Borussia Dortmund wanted for the 19-year-old, and the Anfield side could now do something similar in the coming weeks for Rice.