Liverpool stance to be tested with Prem club ready to launch cut-price bid for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Liverpool’s resolve could soon be challenged amid claims a Premier League club wants to sign Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain this summer.

Oxlade-Chamberlain, 28, joined Liverpool from Arsenal five years ago. The Reds paid Arsenal £34.2million for the central midfielder, who used to operate as a winger.

Oxlade-Chamberlain has gone on to win a host of trophies while at Anfield. He has picked up winners’ medals in the Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup, among others.

However, the England international doesn’t feature too often in the biggest games. He made 29 appearances last season, but only 17 of those came in the Premier League.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp tends to use him in less important cup matches or when one of his best midfielders is unavailable.

Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, Thiago and Naby Keita are all ahead of Oxlade-Chamberlain in the German’s pecking order. Klopp can also utilise Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones in central midfield, with competition for places fierce.

Oxlade-Chamberlain’s Liverpool contract expires next summer. And the side is unlikely to offer him an extension given the other midfielders that are in the squad.

As such, a move before next season starts makes the most sense. And Oxlade-Chamberlain could be picked up for a bargain fee due to his contract running down and his latest injury setback.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain the subject of transfer interest

According to the Irish Mirror, West Ham are planning to submit a bid for the 35-cap England international.

They need reinforcements ahead of another campaign in Europe and believe Oxlade-Chamberlain could be a shrewd addition to David Moyes’ squad.

The Irons are ‘weighing up’ an offer worth just £10m. Accepting this would see Liverpool take a hit of over £20m on the player.

But West Ham may face disappointment in their transfer hunt. That’s because Liverpool wish to keep Oxlade-Chamberlain on board for the final year of his deal.

They don’t mind about losing him on a free in 2023 if it means he will help the team in their pursuit of more trophies during the 2022-23 campaign.

Squad depth has kept the Reds behind Manchester City when it comes to Premier League glory in recent years. But Liverpool now have strength in depth across all positions and don’t want to affect this by letting Oxlade-Chamberlain go.

As such, he will probably make between 10 and 20 outings next term before leaving Merseyside at the end of next season.

And West Ham will be there to snap him up on a free transfer, unless any other clubs join the race.

Meanwhile, Liverpool are willing to pay over £35m to sign a young winger from Athletic Bilbao, as per reports in Spain.