Liverpool 'keen to sign Declan Rice next summer'

Liverpool are reportedly exploring the possibility of bringing West Ham United captain Declan Rice to Anfield during next summer's transfer window.

The Reds are expected to make a big-money midfield signing at the end of the season and continue to be strongly linked with Borussia Dortmund's Jude Bellingham.

However, Liverpool face competition from the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea for the England international.

As a result, Jurgen Klopp's side are believed to be considering switching their interest to Rice, with the 23-year-old potentially leaving the London Stadium during next summer's transfer window.

According to Football Insider, Liverpool head coach Klopp is 'a huge admirer' of the England international, who was allegedly valued in the region of £150m by the Hammers last summer.

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Rice's contract still has another two years left to run, with the option of an additional 12 months, but there have been claims that he could actively push for a move away from West Ham in 2023.

Chelsea are also said to be determined to re-sign the midfielder, who recently addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding his future.

"Everyone knows my relationship with the players, the manager. I've never once complained. Every time I put on the shirt it's 'go out there and give 100%' and whatever happens off the pitch will take care of itself," the midfielder recently told Sky Sports News.

"I can't control that, what I can control is going out there and trying to be the best player every time I put on the shirt. It is annoying. The numbers that get attached to your name, obviously you can't control that at all.

"There's stuff sometimes that you see which you obviously don't want to hear because it's not really true, in a way. But I can't control that, all I can do is go on the pitch and play football and be happy.

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"For the last couple of seasons that is what I've done and that is the faith the manager has put in me so all that speculation stuff, that's what comes with playing good, I suppose."

Rice was again in strong form for David Moyes's side during the 2021-22 campaign, making 48 appearances in all competitions, contributing four goals and four assists.

The midfielder has also been a key player for his capital outfit this term, making 11 appearances, eight of which have been in the Premier League, contributing two assists in the process.

Rice, providing that he is free from injury, will be in the England squad for the 2022 World Cup and is expected to be a starter for the Three Lions.

West Ham again have European football this season, with the club competing in the Europa Conference League, but the midfielder has ambitions of winning Premier League and Champions League titles.