Jurgen Klopp reportedly views Declan Rice as Liverpool’s dream signing this summer, though West Ham want as much as £120m for the England international.
According to journalist Rudy Galetti, the German manager is a massive fan of the 24-year-old Irons’ captain, with Klopp eager to bring Rice to Anfield. However, West Ham’s asking price for their skipper has made any move for Liverpool virtually impossible.
Finances are the reason why Liverpool pulled out of a deal to sign Jude Bellingham, and the same factor is seemingly the cause for their lack of action in a move to sign Rice, with Arsenal the leading club for the West Ham midfielder’s signature.
Indeed, Rice could have been a dream for Liverpool. And Klopp is seemingly certain that the midfielder would have been a good fit, with Galetti saying: “A mini-revolution is expected in the Liverpool midfield after the arrival of Mac Allister from Brighton. There will certainly be other signings, Declan Rice is for sure Klopp’s forbidden dream.
“The West Ham player will not renew his contract expiring in June 2024, and he’s ready to leave this summer after winning the Conference League. Arsenal are leading the race for him and he’s their top target, but anything could happen.”
Liverpool could have signed Rice had they claimed top-four
Liverpool and Rice are a match made in heaven. The West Ham man is one of the most complete midfielders in the Premier League and is arguably on the verge of becoming world-class. Yet a marriage between the player and club could only have happened had the Reds finished in the top-four.
Missing out on the UEFA Champions League has hit Liverpool hard this summer. And whilst big moves are expected from the Anfield side, Rice is too far out of reach for the Merseyside giants, especially with West Ham valuing their captain at £120m.
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