Liverpool are looking to bring in West Ham captain Declan Rice if they are unable to lure Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund.

The Lowdown: The Rice price

Whilst the Reds continue to monitor the latter as their priority target, the former is a tremendous player who has also been linked with the Anfield giants and could be an astute addition, albeit in a less progressive manner.

At 23, Rice continues to excel and has developed in a similar vein to 19-year-old Dortmund star Bellingham, with both becoming well-rounded cogs in midfield. 

Both players have impressed at the World Cup for England so far, with Rice operating as the deeper, more conservative option under Gareth Southgate. This is important to note, with the Irons skipper essentially the enabler when it comes to England’s transitional play. 

Rice has fuelled speculation of a potential summer move away from the London Stadium, so he could be an attainable target for Liverpool if they fail to get their hands on Bellingham.

The Latest: Rice to Liverpool?

According to journalist Dean Jones, the £70m-valued Rice is a star that Liverpool are monitoring, with FSG possible moving for the 23-year-old if their pursuit of Bellingham fails.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jones said: “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?”

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The Verdict: More realistic target?

In many ways, the possible signing of Rice makes for a more realistic coup than that of Bellingham, who has been valued at an eye-watering £130m.

There is arguably a clearer path for the 19-year-old at fellow suitors Manchester City, amidst Pep Guardiola’s contract extension and his connections with ex-Dortmund team-mate Erling Haaland. He could also have greater potential to develop in a freer and more dynamic footballing system.

On the other hand, Rice is a player who would suit the Reds down to the ground, with his identity as a ball-winning midfielder suiting Klopp’s more systematic approach wonderfully. 

Ultimately, we would likely see the 23-year-old shift into the role of a central midfielder, in the same way that Jordan Henderson has done under the German, in a move which could suit both. 

Liverpool will seemingly concentrate on trying to lure Bellingham to Anfield, but Rice appears the more realistic target of the two England midfielders.