Liverpool are expected to prioritise the signing of Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham ahead of West Ham’s Declan Rice, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Reports over the last week have suggested that the Reds could well step up their interest in Rice, who is also believed to be a target for the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City. However, even though he believes the 23-year-old would be an “excellent” addition to Jurgen Klopp’s squad, Romano has played down the chances of the midfielder making the switch to Anfield:

“We always have links for Rice and it’s normal – but West Ham insist they want to keep him. It’s going to be an expensive transfer to sign Rice in 2023, nothing has changed. I think he could bring some energy to the Liverpool midfield, so an excellent fit for sure. However, Jude Bellingham will be the priority for many clubs.”

Considering Liverpool’s limited resources, there is no chance of the Merseyside club pursuing both Rice and Bellingham. The two players are likely to cost in excess of £100m, with it recently being claimed that West Ham may want as much as £120m for their captain.

Reds supporters would probably be wise to take any reports about the team’s interest in Rice with a very large pinch of salt.