Former Premier League striker Noel Whelan has backed Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to trade Liverpool for rivals Manchester United this summer.

The Lowdown: Ox on the move?

The 28-year-old looks highly likely to enjoy a fresh challenge ahead of next season, having fallen completely out of favour under Jurgen Klopp last term.

Oxlade-Chamberlain's last appearance of the campaign came in March, despite having no injuries in that spell, and with his current deal expiring in 2023, this summer looks like the time to sell.

The midfielder, described as 'fantastic' by Rio Ferdinand, has been linked with a shock move to United, as Erik ten Hag looks to make his mark as manager at Old Trafford.

The Latest: Whelan backs shock switch

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan, a former top flight player who is now a club ambassador/employee at Leeds, talked up the idea of Oxlade-Chamberlain heading down the M62 this summer:

"It would be a very smart move for very smart money.

"If that is what you are going to be paying out for a player of his quality it’s nothing, let’s be honest. I go back to the relationship that he has with [Jurgen] Klopp.

"When you look at it, Man United have been lacking a player of that quality and character in the middle of the park. He would bring personality and backbone to the side. We haven’t seen much backbone from Man United players and that is something they need more of.

"Oxlade-Chamberlain leaves everything out there in the 90 minutes. For £10million it is a bargain."

[freshpress-quiz id=“398089"]

The Verdict: Surely he wouldn't?

Given the bitter rivalry that exists between Liverpool and United, it would be a huge surprise if Oxlade-Chamberlain decided to move there this summer.

It would immediately tarnish what is a positive legacy overall, having won the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup during his time at Anfield, among other trophies.

[freshpress-poll id=“399042"]

Former United man Paul Ince joined Liverpool back in 1997 and it didn't go down well at Old Trafford - it would be such a shame to see Oxlade-Chamberlain do similar, and he should instead look at joining a different Premier League club.

In other news, Liverpool have been backed to make a move for a Premier League player. Read more here.