West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice could solve Liverpool midfield problems – Jermaine Jenas
Jermaine Jenas has suggested that West Ham midfielder Declan Rice could be perfect for Liverpool as the Reds need to solve their midfield problems.
The popular football pundit says that the central midfield is proving to be an issue this season for Jurgen Klopp’s side, and Rice would be a better fit than Jude Bellingham for them.
The 24-year-old midfielder is likely to leave the Hammers in the summer, and he will have no shortage of suitors. He has a contract at the club until 2024, with the Hammers having an option to extend the deal for another year.
“Declan Rice would be right up there on the list of players I’d be trying to get to stick in that role,” Jenas told SportsJOE.
“The holding midfield player role seems to be a little bit up in the air for Liverpool at the minute. I don’t know why Fabinho is not getting that time, whether he feels like he has slowed down or whether he’s just not performing well.
“They got that young boy, (Stefan) Bajčetić, who’s come in and is a great ball player. But right now that defence needs more security. So, Declan would be one I’d target.”
Unlikely
Liverpool could be an attractive destination for any player, no doubt, but Rice is unlikely to join them.
The Reds have fallen from their usually lofty heights this season, and they could struggle to get into the top four at the end of the campaign.
In such a scenario, will they be able to lure Rice who is mainly looking to leave West Ham for Champions League football?
Liverpool have problems in midfield. The trio of Fabinho, Thiago and Jordan Henderson are ageing and they need to be replaced.
Similarly, the likes of Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have spent most of their time on the treatment table, and the Reds are expected to make lots of changes in midfield in the summer.
The defence needs security and Rice would be a fantastic addition to the club under Jurgen Klopp. But, can Liverpool come up with a British record fee to sign him?
David Moyes has made it clear that Rice will leave the club for a record fee, and the club are expected to demand a figure over £100m in the summer for their skipper.
The Hammers are resigned to losing him in the summer, but the club want to make sure they get the best deal out of him.