New Declan link

Liverpool have been linked with a shock swoop for Declan Rice next summer.

The Hammers have had to grow used to speculation surrounding the England international but the clubs that are usually linked are Manchester United, Manchester City, and Chelsea.

But it now appears the Reds are interested in doing a deal.

The report from Simon Phillips, the journalist who usually covers Chelsea, and he has reported Liverpool are laying the groundwork for a potential Rice bid next summer.

It remains to be seen if they would be able to match the asking price; he would cost well in excess of £100m, and a deep run into the 2022 World Cup with England could further boost the cost.

Declan has agreed to remain at the Hammers for one more season but he is willing to explore his options at the end of the season; the Hammers aren’t going to do business unless the figures are exactly right, however.