Liverpool legend Steve Nicol has discussed the prospect of the Reds signing West Ham star Declan Rice ahead of the summer transfer window – let’s just say he isn’t keen on the idea.
The midfielder’s outstanding displays at the heart of the Hammers’ team had caught the eye of Liverpool, amongst others, according to the Express, with the England international being valued at around £31million.
But Nicol doesn’t think he’s the type of player we need now. “James Milner’s coming to the end of his top-flight career. Father Time catches up with us all. Declan Rice would have been ideal before they signed Fabinho. I just see Declan Rice as being the same as Fabinho,” he’s quoted as saying by HITC.
“It’s good to have a great squad, as Man City will attest to, but I’m not sure that he’s better than Fabinho.”
Rice recently signed a contract to keep him at West Ham until 2024 – it seems unlikely that the midfielder will be moving anywhere this summer.
Opinion
I have to disagree with Nicol here. I think Rice would be a fantastic addition to our squad. I take the point of the lad being more of a defensive midfielder, but, with Milner’s advancing age, we’ll need to add more depth soon.
Jordan Henderson has shown us this season that he thrives in a position where he’s allowed to roam; he’ll put in a good shift when playing the number six role but he’s clearly a box-to-box midfielder.
However unlikely, the potential addition of Rice shouldn’t be looked at as if we’re signing another Fabinho as it’ll unleash the skipper on a more regular basis. The 20-year-old wears his heart on his sleeve and has won over West Ham fans this season with some passionate displays. I’d take him at Liverpool in a heartbeat.
And let’s not compare the lad to Fab, eh?