Liverpool backed to pull off ‘blockbuster’ Declan Rice signing after source’s reveal – pundit
Declan Rice would be open to joining Liverpool in January as the club targets a “blockbuster” midfield signing.
That’s according to former Hibernian striker Tam McManus, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the Reds’ transfer plans.
On Monday (21 November), sources told Football Insider Liverpool will be closely monitoring West Ham star Declan Rice and how he reacts to the big-game World Cup pressure.
The Reds have a strong interest in the 23-year-old amid the likelihood there will be slightly less elite-club competition for his signature compared to that of Jude Bellingham.
McManus agrees that Rice is a more realistic target for Liverpool.
“Liverpool are lacking legs and energy in the middle of the park,” McManus told Football Insider‘s Ben Wild.
“Rice has that in spades. They are playing with Thiago and Fabinho in there, they are both good footballers but the game has changed now.
“You have to be able to get up and down the park quickly and I think Rice would be a really exciting signing for them.
“I know they have been linked with Jude Bellingham as well so it is clear they are in the market for a blockbuster midfield player.
“Whether it’s Bellingham or Rice, both of them would walk into that Liverpool team. It’s who is available. If Rice has a good World Cup, is he going to stay at West Ham in a relegation battle?
“If you are Rice, you want to play for a team in the Champions League, a team challenging for titles.
“I think Rice is more realistic than Bellingham.”
In other news, Kieran Maguire: FSG chief to accelerate Liverpool takeover process after ‘game-changing’ reveal