Chris Sutton and Don Hutchison believe Liverpool are now right in the mix to sign West Ham star Declan Rice this summer.
Watching Declan Rice walk out every game singing Bubbles brings a warmth to the soul of West Ham fans.
As Hammers fans know only too well, though, the clock is ticking down on the moment Rice leaves West Ham this summer.
A host of Europe’s top clubs have been linked with Rice, chiefly Arsenal and Chelsea.
For several months now the talk has been that Arsenal are the leading contenders to sign the West Ham.
But rumours have persisted of interest from other clubs such as Liverpool, Man City and Man United.
Against the backdrop of the huge regression at Liverpool this season, Jurgen Klopp has admitted he has work to do in the summer window.
With neither Jordan Henderson or James Milner getting any younger, it is clear the Reds need to address their central midfield.
But they have been more strongly linked with Rice’s England teammate Jude Bellingham of late.
It is fair to say – on the balance of the transfer talk that has surrounded Rice for so long – Liverpool would be seen as outsiders to sign the West Ham talisman.
But not anymore according to a former player of both West Ham and Liverpool and one of his fellow pundits.
Because Chris Sutton and Don Hutchison believe Liverpool are now right in the mix to sign West Ham star Rice.
The midfielder’s future was once again the topic of discussion after his superb solo goal helped West Ham beat Gent in the Europa Conference League quarter-finals.
And speaking on BT Sport, Sutton and Hutchison believe Liverpool will be in for Rice alongside the Gunners.
Chris Sutton and Don Hutchison believe Liverpool are now right in the mix to sign West Ham star Declan Rice
“He’s obviously playing at the top level but I think he could play high-end Champions League level,” Hutchison said.
“He’s not going to be at West Ham next season,” Sutton added.
“Where do I see him going? I’m not really usually in the know but I suspect maybe Liverpool or Arsenal.”
“Liverpool fans will be happy,” Hutchison said.
“Whoever gets him is getting a top player… Same I think Liverpool, he fits in. He fits in (Man) City, he fits in Liverpool, fits in Arsenal – because he’s a clever footballer. If you ask him to do a specific role he will do that role on that day. If you ask him to be a number eight and get forward and get goals he can do that as well. He ticks all the boxes.”
If Rice is to depart this summer as expected, he certainly left West Ham fans something to remember him by.
His marauding, Steven Gerrard-esque run and finish which helped seal West Ham’s place in another European semi-final gave David Moyes plenty of ammunition to fire back at Rice snipers such as Roy Keane and Graeme Souness.
Rice has put on record that he looks up to Gerrard as a player.
And the feeling is mutual with Liverpool legend Gerrard recently defending Rice from criticism.
West Ham will clearly be hoping for a bidding war when they do say goodbye. So the more the merrier if Liverpool do want to get involved in the conversation.
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