Prominent football journalist Fabrizio Romano has named one Premier League star who he believes would be an "excellent fit" in the current Liverpool team.
Under Jurgen Klopp, the Reds have been known for quality over quantity when it comes to transfer dealings. The German is generally prepared to wait for the perfect deal to come along in the market, with the signings of Alisson, Virgil van Dijk, Fabinho and more proving this over the years.
Liverpool's transfer strategy has worked well throughout much of Klopp's reign, with the Reds winning seven trophies since he took charge at Anfield in 2015.
But fans did have some criticism of the club's strategy over the recent summer transfer window, with only four senior players brought in. The signing of Darwin Nunez from Benfica for an initial fee of £64 million represented the major outlay, with the Reds also completing deals for Arthur (Juventus, loan), Calvin Ramsay (Aberdeen) and Fabio Carvalho (Fulham).
Advert
Despite bringing in Arthur, midfield is still an area of concern for fans. The Reds have suffered major injury issues in central areas this term, with Naby Keita, Thiago, Fabinho and Arthur himself amongst those having dealt, or currently dealing, with injury problems throughout the campaign.
Liverpool have been credited with a long-term interest in Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham but, according to Football Insider, they are also keen on signing a player currently stationed closer to home.
Liverpool reportedly keen on Declan Rice
The report claims that Liverpool want to sign Declan Rice from West Ham, with sources claiming to the publication that the Reds hold a 'strong interest' in the midfielder. In addition, Klopp is also an admirer - a key factor in any deal Liverpool complete.
Advert
Fabrizio Romano believes that Rice would be a quality addition to the Reds' midfield, given his star performances for the Hammers.
Speaking to CaughtOffside (via his Substack column), Romano explained: "I think he could bring some energy to the Liverpool midfield, so an excellent fit for sure. However, Jude Bellingham will be the priority for many clubs.
"We always have links for Rice and it's normal. But West Ham insist they want to keep him. It's going to be an expensive transfer to sign Rice in 2023, nothing has changed."
Advert
But what is West Ham's asking price for their star midfielder?
David Moyes names huge asking price for Declan Rice
Speaking in a press conference in April, West Ham boss David Moyes explained (quotes via The Athletic): "The first to say is that he is not for sale. If you are interested, well, it will be north of that. One hundred (million pounds) was cheap last summer. One hundred and fifty just now would be minimum, but he is not for sale.
"What I do know is that it means there are only certain clubs that could even consider it."
Advert
With Liverpool's current transfer record the £75 million fee spent on Van Dijk in 2019 (although the fee for Nunez, including add-ons, could overtake it), it remains to be seen whether Klopp would want to pull the trigger on a move for one of England's star midfielders.
Topics: Liverpool, Premier League, Fabrizio Romano
Ryan Smart