Liverpool backed to show interest in England star who wants move, but Chelsea primed for massive signing

Liverpool are likely to express an interest in signing Declan Rice from West Ham, but Chelsea remains his most likely destination, TEAMtalk has been told.

Rice is coming towards the end of his time at West Ham. The Irons have tried to tie him down with multiple contract offers, only for these to be pushed back by the midfielder and his entourage.

With Rice’s current deal expiring in summer 2024, West Ham have now accepted the fact they will have to sell him at the end of the current campaign. This is to ensure they still get a good price for him.

Most of the Premier League’s top clubs have been linked with the England ace, including Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea.

As such, TEAMtalk asked transfer insider Graeme Bailey to provide his information on where Rice will end up when leaving West Ham.

Liverpool will make contact with the player as they sound out potential signings for their midfield revamp. However, it is Chelsea who have the best chance at landing Rice. This is because he has ‘unfinished business’ with the west London side.

“We are now entering the end game for Declan Rice, West Ham United have accepted that he is leaving this summer,” Bailey told TEAMtalk.

“Rice has served West Ham well, but he is accepting that he needs to move on and so are West Ham – despite what may be said publicly.

Chelsea leading race for Declan Rice

“And for me Rice is now ready and whilst a deal is not confirmed, at the moment I don’t see him going anywhere other than Chelsea. His beloved club from a youngster, I believe he has unfinished business at Stamford Bridge.

“I do expect others to show an interest – Liverpool are going to be rebuilding their midfield and surely they will show an interest.

“Arsenal have also been linked and it is clear Rice could very well have his pick of clubs. But as I said, he will be Chelsea bound, as it stands.”

Meanwhile, Liverpool will face competition from Newcastle to land a Premier League star after the Magpies rejected the chance to sign a Man Utd player.