Liverpool keen to sign £80m star despite the player 'favouring' move to Premier League rivals

Liverpool are interested in signing Declan Rice with the race for the West Ham midfielder still wide open, according to a new report.

Rice, 24, has continued to impress for West Ham this season despite the club's struggles in the Premier League.

He is under contract with the Hammers until the summer of 2024, with the club holding an option to extend his stay by a further year.

However, it looks increasingly likely that the midfielder will leave in the summer transfer window, with several Premier League sides reportedly keen to sign the England international.

Chelsea have a long-standing interest in Rice, while Arsenal are reported to have made the midfielder their 'top summer target'.

Manchester United have also previously been linked with Rice, who has made 26 appearances in all competitions for West Ham this season.

Liverpool 'interested' in Rice

Meanwhile, transfer journalist Rudy Galetti claims Liverpool are also interested in signing Rice in the summer.

Jurgen Klopp's side are badly in need of midfield reinforcements, with Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham their top priority in the transfer market.

Should they fail in their bid to sign Bellingham, Liverpool could turn their attention to Rice.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Galetti said: "It's an open race. It's an evolving situation because also Chelsea and Liverpool are interested in him.

"We have to wait a few more weeks to better understand the future of Declan Rice."

According to The Guardian, Rice is currently favouring a move to Premier League leaders Arsenal in the summer.

The prospects of working under Mikel Arteta at the Emirates appeals to Rice, with the Spanish coach already "drawing up plans for where the West Ham captain would fit into his team".

The report claims West Ham originally wanted more than £100m for their star midfielder but could be forced to accept around £80m if the player is determined to leave.