'Fits the mould' - Liverpool legend tells Reds to sign Premier League star

Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler has advised his former club to complete a move for West Ham star Declan Rice.

The England international has been one of the best midfielders in the Premier League for a number of seasons.

What sets Rice apart from many other midfielders is his superb box-to-box abilities, vision to pick out short and long range passes, and his excellent defensive skills.

The West Ham midfielder has been tracked by many top clubs over recent years - but Hammers boss David Moyes has always reiterated that it would take a huge sum of money to prize Rice away from the London Stadium.

Speaking to reporters in April (quotes via The Athletic), he explained: "The first thing 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."

West Ham do hold the cards in this particular scenario. Rice's current contract expires in the summer of 2024, meaning they are under no pressure to sell - yet.

That could all change next summer, when Rice enters the final 12 months of his deal. It is at that point, if West Ham have not tied him down to a new deal - they reportedly offered him a new eight-year deal in April - that they may have to sell the player if an acceptable bid comes in.

And former Reds striker Fowler has explained why Liverpool need to swoop if the opportunity arises.

Robbie Fowler wants Declan Rice at Liverpool

Speaking to FairBettingSites, Fowler spoke highly of Liverpool-linked Jude Bellingham, who he describes as a 'very good player'.

He then turned his attention to the West Ham star: "Another player who I really like is Declan Rice. He fits into a Liverpool mould.

"Whether Liverpool are looking at players to come in, they have to have a certain amount of pedigree. Those players need to have lots of energy.

"And I do think Rice fits that bill. He's a player who sits in the middle of the park, but he can get around the pitch with his endeavour as well.

"Rice is a player that I'd like Liverpool to sign, not to be disrespectful to West Ham, but Rice will be a name on the top of many top teams' lists, whether that's in the summer or January.

"Rice has been top class for a few years now, and you can see why clubs want him.

"But, for me, he fits the mould of a Liverpool player."

With the Reds having been linked with signing a midfielder since the summer, Rice would prove to be an excellent addition to the squad, and potentially could take their midfield to another level.