The Liverpool fans in the Transfer Tavern have been pleased by their club’s activity in the transfer market so far this summer, and recent reports from London suggest Jurgen Klopp could complete another shrewd piece of business before the end of the summer.
According to a recent report from The Times, Declan Rice (valued at £9 million by Transfermarkt) has turned down a new contract with West Ham as he believed the salary offered was below what he deserves after an impressive debut season with the senior squad. The 19-year-old slowly worked his way into West Ham’s first-team last season and established himself as a regular choice at centre-back as the season developed.
The quality of his performances and willingness to put everything on the line for the club was exemplary for any young player looking to break through the ranks in the Premier League, and his contribution prompted plenty of West Ham supporters to tip him for future captaincy of the club. With that in mind, it’s no surprise that reports concerning the Hammers failure to offer Rice a lucrative contract extension have been met with frustration by the supporters.
Rice undoubtedly deserves a decent wage after the season he has enjoyed, so Liverpool should take note of the situation and capitalise this summer. With only one year remaining on his contract, Rice will be considering his options due to the unproductive negotiations with his current club, and a transfer to Liverpool will certainly hold plenty of appeal for the hot prospect.
Although Rice would need to bide his time for a first-team opportunity, there’s no doubt that Jurgen Klopp will be searching for a player to eventually replace Dejan Lovren, and Rice could be the perfect player to step into the Croatian’s shoes. With plenty of potential to grow, Klopp should be enticed by the prospect of pairing Rice alongside the experienced Virgil Van Dijk to enhance his development and understanding of the game.
If reports are to be believed then it appears West Ham have adopted an incredibly complacent attitude to Rice’s future and are underestimating his potential, so Liverpool should make a bid for his services whilst negotiations have hit a dead-end to secure the signature of a future Premier League star.
Liverpool and West Ham fans – thoughts? Let us know below!
