Transfer News: Liverpool enter race for West Ham United star Declan Rice amidst Chelsea interest
According to Football Insider (h/t Football.London), Liverpool have entered the race to secure the signature of West Ham United star Declan Rice amidst interest from Chelsea for a potential move. He is widely regarded as one of the best holding midfielders in his position right now and has earned lots of plaudits for his excellent displays.
Rice has a contract with West Ham until 2024, but they do have the option to extend it by another year. That has seen David Moyes set a minimum value of £150million for the midfielder’s services. Despite that, he is expected to leave them soon in search of titles and Champions League football.
The Reds have registered their interest in the England international ahead of the summer transfer window. Thomas Tuchel’s side has been a long-standing admirer of the defensive midfielder as they target a reunion with their former academy player. Fortunately for them, Jurgen Klopp would not be given the funds it would take to sign the superstar.
Transfer blow?
The Merseyside club will undoubtedly prove to be some kind of roadblock if we are actively pursuing the 23-year-old. However, since they will not meet his current valuation, their interest would be without much weight giving us a sigh of relief. But that is only applicable if West Ham stay rigid regarding the high asking price for their star midfielder.
Then again, we cannot take advantage of the situation right now due to the ownership uncertainty at Stamford Bridge. After all, the sanctions imposed by the UK Government on the club would prevent us from signing players. Unless we find new owners, it is highly unlikely that we can enter the market for new faces.
Even if the sanctions are lifted, the asking price makes the prospect of signing the Hammers talisman less attractive. After all, it would be best if we use that money to bolster several multiple areas when there is a need for it. That is especially the case due to the defensive crisis that could unravel after this season.
Star defenders Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen are set to become free agents this summer. And given their status at the club, coupled with Thiago Silva’s age and Trevoh Chalobah’s relative inexperience in the PL, it is imperative that the club looks for new faces at the back.
But Rice can play as a makeshift centre-back as well. However, he is primarily a defensive midfielder. His skills as a holding midfielder are highlighted when played under Gareth Southgate, who uses him as a defensive midfielder alongside Leeds United’s Kalvin Phillips.
More Chelsea News
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Someone like Rice would normally be expensive, but the current valuation does not seem reasonable at all in any case. Replacing at least one of N’Golo Kante or Jorginho at the base of the midfield is something we must prepare for moving forward, keeping the long-term picture in mind.
But spending such a ludicrous amount on the West Ham midfielder may not be a good idea. It remains to be seen what stance Tuchel’s team takes regarding their pursuit to sign Rice under the current valuation.