Hamann Names The World Cup Star That Liverpool Absolutely “Must Try And Lure” To Anfield Amid Fabinho Concerns

Ex-Liverpool star Didi Hamann believes his former club should pursue a move to sign West Ham midfielder Declan Rice.

The Reds have been heavily linked with Rice’s England teammate, Jude Bellingham, but Hamann believes that Fabinho’s poor form means they should consider snapping up the Hammers captain as well:

“They must try and lure Declan Rice to Anfield too. Rice is spoilt for choice if he were to move clubs, but he’d absolutely suit playing behind Bellingham at Liverpool. Liverpool have Fabinho, whose form has dropped off a bit in the last few months. I think it depends on how he does because I don’t think that you can play with both Declan Rice and Fabinho in the middle of the pack. I think one player of that calibre is enough, but Fabinho’s form has been a concern.”

It has been suggested that Rice could be available for a much lower fee than Bellingham, with reports claiming that West Ham may sell up for around £70m.

Whether that figure is accurate, though, it is up for debate. While Rice will have one year remaining on his contract at the end of the season, his club do have an option to extend his stay for a further twelve months, protecting his value.

You also have to consider that there will be fierce competition for his services. Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City have been long-term admirers of the 23-year-old so winning the race to secure his signature won’t be easy.