Declan Rice: Liverpool transfer takes leap forward as journalist claims give Klopp hope of jaw-dropping double deal

Liverpool have been told they have a strong chance of signing Declan Rice in 2023 with the midfielder making clear his intentions to leave West Ham.

Rice is still only 23 years old but has made over 200 appearances for the Hammers. He’s also closing in on 40 England caps, having impressed quietly and effectively in Gareth Southgate’s engine room in Qatar. Indeed, Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final against France will see Rice win cap No 39 for his country.

However, it seems that a parting of ways at West Ham is on the cards at the end of the season. Indeed, Rice’s deal at the London Stadium is due to expire in summer 2024, though the Hammers do have a one-year option on that. They have offered him an extention to that deal on multiple occasions and are willing to make him their highest-earning player of all time.

Indeed, some reports have suggested West Ham could offer him a package worth £250,000 a week. However, Rice is now at the stage of his career where he wants to win trophies. And for as big as the Irons’ aspirations are, Rice knows he would more likely achieve that aim elsewhere.

Furthermore, having seen his close pal Kalvin Phillips quit Leeds last summer to join Man City and to play in the Champions League, Rice now wants similar for himself.

To that end, the midfielder recently dropped the biggest indication yet that he is ready to quit the Hammers next year.

“One hundred per cent I want to play in the Champions League,” Rice said during a press conference while on England duty. “For the last two or three years I’ve been saying that.

Declan Rice Liverpool transfer claims grow louder

“I’ve been playing consistently well for my club and I feel like I really want to keep pushing. I see my friends here who are playing Champions League and for big trophies.

“You only get one career. And at the end you want to look back at what you’ve won and the biggest games you’ve played in. I really want to do that.”

For a long time, Rice has been mentioned as a target for Chelsea. And with N’Golo Kante likely to leave, reports recently claim he will be subject of an incredible £280m double swoop.

Manchester United are also mentioned as suitors too, with Erik ten Hag still in the market for a new midfielder.

However, claims recently have suggested Liverpool could yet come on to the scene for Rice.

And amid claims that he could depart for as little as £70m, Liverpool are rumoured to be giving serious thought to a 2023 approach.

Those hopes have now been given an enormous shot in the arm. That’s after transfer journalist Dean Jones indicated that a move to Liverpool would very much appeal to Rice.

“Rice is almost certain to leave West Ham this summer and it is looking increasingly like his price-tag is more reachable than at any point in the recent past,” Jones told Givemesport.

“It has been reported that £70m could be enough to seal the signing of Rice. Liverpool would be a serious consideration for the player if they reach out.

“Chelsea are seen as strong favourites for Rice yet the player has indicated to people around him that moving out of London would not faze him. Liverpool’s success and history could appeal.”

Liverpool dreaming of Rice, Jude Bellingham link-up

Liverpool scouts are reportedly keeping an eye on Rice’s performances in Qatar and will certainly have been impressed. Their biggest test yet, though, will come on Saturday with reigning world champions France lying in wait.

To that end, Rice’s midfield battle with former Liverpool target Aurlien Tchouameni will likely be key.

Rice has certainly struck up an excellent midfield understanding with Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson and another target in Jude Bellingham.

And with Bellingham also very much on their wishlist, talk of a £200m double deal is starting to take shape.

Any deal for the Borussia Dortmund teenager is likely to cost a whopping £130m. Yet with Manchester United seemingly out of the race, Liverpool now have every chance of signing the 19-year-old.

And a midfield axis of Rice and Bellingham would certainly sort out Liverpool’s midfield issues for several seasons yet.

Meanwhile, former West Ham striker Frank McAvennie reckons West Ham are already planning for life after Rice. And he’s named the ideal replacement for the skipper should he quit the London Stadium.

READ MORE: West Ham old boy gives David Moyes transfer hint and identifies ideal Declan Rice replacement