"We know..." - Transfer insider claims Liverpool are "interested" in £70m Bellingham alternative

Liverpool are interested in bringing in England and West Ham midfielder Declan Rice as a Jude Bellingham alternative, according to a fresh report.

After an appalling start to the season, the Reds currently sit in sixth place in the Premier League, some seven points from the Champions League spots and 15 points from Arsenal at the top of the table.

A key issue for Jurgen Klopp’s side has been their midfield. Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara have struggled with injuries throughout the campaign while Brazilian holding midfielder Fabinho has looked a shadow of his former self.

In turn, Liverpool have been linked with Borussia Dortmund’s Bellingham, who has starred for England at the World Cup in recent weeks.

However, the 19-year-old, who is one of the most sought-after midfielders in world football, could cost north of £100million.

In turn, the Merseyside club are now being linked to Bellingham’s Three Lions teammate Rice.

Rice to Liverpool?

Football Insider has claimed that West Ham expect to lose Rice to a Champions League club next summer, and named Liverpool, Man Utd and Chelsea as three teams that were keeping tabs on the England international.

Rice, who the Telegraph claim would cost £70million, may be considered an alternative to Bellingham.

Indeed, transfer insider Dean Jones told Give Me Sport: “Declan Rice is someone of interest, and we know that both of these players are almost certain to make transfers in 2023.

“But it’d be interesting if Liverpool don’t land Bellingham to see what they consider to be most important.

“Is it an emerging talent, or is it just someone that is considered one of the best in the world?”

Rice’s existing deal runs until 2024, but West Ham have the option to extend it by a further year.