Agbonlahor: Liverpool set for double hijack after source’s Declan Rice reveal
Declan Rice will not want to join Liverpool if they do not qualify for next season’s Champions League, according to Gabby Agbonlahor.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Aston Villa and England attacker claimed Liverpool have to “battle” to finish in the top four if they want to sign Jude Bellingham or Rice next summer.
Sources told Football Insider on Saturday (8 October) that Jurgen Klopp believes Rice would be a perfect fit for Liverpool’s midfield as they lay the groundwork for a marquee midfield signing next year.
They are also pushing hard to sign Bellingham but face increased competition from Europe’s elite as the teenager goes from strength to strength at Borussia Dortmund.
Rice has entered the final two years of his contract at West Ham but the club have the option to extend his deal by a further 12 months.
Asked whether he would sign for Liverpool in their current state, Agbonlahor told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley: “I don’t think so, no.
“For someone like Declan Rice, there’s no point leaving West Ham if you’re not going to be playing Champions League football, that’s the whole point.
“Europa League has got better over the years but players want to play in the Champions League.
“I feel like Declan Rice will choose a different team.
“The talk about Bellingham needs to be stopped. He won’t leave a Champions League club to join one in the Europa League.
“Liverpool need to battle this season now for top four, forget the title. Otherwise, they are going to miss out on multiple signings.”
In other news, a finance guru has revealed Liverpool are being held to ransom as an “English tax” is analysed.