Ex-Marseille and Chelsea striker Tony Cascarino believes Liverpool should switch their attention away from Jude Bellingham and sign West Ham captain Declan Rice instead.

The Reds’ problems this season stem from the fact that their midfield is being played through too easily, and Cascarino feels Rice would be a better signing to resolve the issues they have been having:

“If the option is between Jude Bellingham and Rice, Liverpool should go for the latter. Bellingham is an excellent player but Rice solves the problems Liverpool are having and would provide a platform enabling those around him to shine.”

“Fabinho and Jordan Henderson have looked off the pace, with their ability to turn the ball over, make tackles and interceptions having fallen away. As a result, Liverpool’s midfield has been easy to run through but Rice is not a player who lets opponents pass him often.”

Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United are all believed to be pursuing Rice, so it will be difficult for Jurgen Klopp’s side to win the race for Rice’s signature, especially as they are unlikely to have Champions League football next season.

The 23-year-old has mentioned on a number of occasions that he harbours ambitions of playing in Europe’s premier competition.

Rice would, however, be a lot cheaper to buy than Bellingham. Although there have been reports suggesting that West Ham may demand in excess of £100m for the midfielder, credible sources have also claimed they may accept a bid in the region of £75m.