Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has ordered the Reds to seal a transfer deal for West Ham midfielder Declan Rice, according to reports.
The Reds were linked with signing a midfielder throughout the most recent transfer window.
They have been long-term admirers of Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham, but the German giants did not want to sell the England international following the departure of Erling Haaland to Manchester City.
Liverpool, therefore, had to look elsewhere. Speaking on August 12, Klopp initially stated that the Reds would wait for "the right player".
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On deadline day, they completed a loan move for Juventus midfielder Arthur Melo. But the Brazilian has made just one appearance for the club so far, and is set to miss between three or four months due to a muscle injury.
The Reds, meanwhile, are also without Naby Keita, Curtis Jones and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain due to injury. Their midfield is currently threadbare - but it appears Klopp wants to go some way to solving that issue with the signing of Rice.
Jurgen Klopp reportedly keen on signing Declan Rice
According to Spanish outlet El Nacional, Liverpool have made the signing of Rice a "priority".
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The main reasons behind this are to add quality to the midfield, and to lower the average age of the squad. As per Transfermarkt, when taking into account squad size and players used this season, Liverpool have the fourth-oldest squad in the Premier League in terms of average age.
It is claimed that Rice has a number of other suitors, including Arsenal and Real Madrid. But Klopp has reportedly told the Reds board that this is an opportunity they cannot allow to escape.
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But a stumbling block could be the asking price for the midfielder. Hammers boss David Moyes told reporters (via The Athletic) earlier this year that Rice was worth at least £150 million to the London club.
However, Rice's current deal at the London Stadium expires in just over 18 months' time, meaning West Ham have a dilemma when it comes to negotiating the highest possible fee - if he is to depart at all.
A lot could potentially hinge on Liverpool's progression this season, with Champions League qualification surely aiding any potential pitch to the Hammers star.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool, Declan Rice, West Ham United, Premier League, Arsenal, Real Madrid