Reported Liverpool target admits he’s heard rumours that clubs are interested in him

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Reported Liverpool target Declan Rice has admitted that he’s flattered by transfer interest in him.

Rice had a brilliant night on Wednesday, captaining West Ham United to the Europa Conference League title. With rumours swirling about his future, it appeared the perfect way for the England man to sign off from the Hammers.

And speaking via Football Daily after last night’s game, Rice revealed that he genuinely doesn’t know where he’ll be playing next season.

“I’ve still got two years left, I know it’s such a generic answer. There’s so much speculation, I see it all the time, but I can’t help that,” he said. “That comes with playing football every day, doing what I do. My focus tonight and it has been since the World Cup is winning this trophy and keep West Ham in the Premier League.

“I genuinely don’t know what’s happening at the minute, that’s my honest answer. To read it myself is actually getting quite boring! So look, who knows what’s going to happen. It’s flattering to be wanted by a lot of clubs, but like I said, the badge on chest tonight is West Ham, I’ve still got two years left on my contact and ultimately it’s up to the people above.”

Rice signs off in style

Having signed off in the perfect way, it looks like Rice has now played his last game for West Ham.

The Hammers can be bullish about the price all they want, but as they’ve now admitted themselves [TalkSPORT], the player himself wants to take the next step. There’s nothing really left for him to achieve at the London Stadium. Now, it will be all about going to the next level.

For our money, that level is unlikely to be a move to Liverpool. The quoted £100m price is way too much. Even if that ends up being a fantasy for West Ham, you’d think any final fee wouldn’t be a million miles away from that.

Nevertheless, the Reds continue to be linked. Earlier this week they were reported to be ready to hijack Rice potentially joining Arsenal, as they struggle to negotiate with the Hammers.

As Liverpool consider who will follow Alexis Mac Allister as a midfield signing this summer, Rice would clearly be a super option.

But unless there’s a dramatic price drop, or other suitors walk away, we can’t see it happening.

Despite that, Rice sounds like he will evaluate all offers potentially coming his way. He’ll clearly always be respectful of the club he’s made his name at. But a parting of the ways now feels inevitable.