TalkSPORT pundit Ally McCoist believes Liverpool should be looking to spend big on a player like West Ham’s Declan Rice.

The Reds’ problems in midfield have been well documented and, after watching his performance for the Hammers at Anfield recently, McCoist says the 23-year-old would be an excellent signing for the Merseysiders:

“I think Liverpool should have broken the bank and got that deal done earlier. How long have you and I been speaking about looking at Liverpool’s midfield?… If somebody could get Bellingham and Rice, that’s phenomenal. I’ve said for a long time, I was up at Liverpool for the West Ham game, Declan Rice was superb. I’m telling you right now, he was superb.”

McCoist is, of course, assuming that Liverpool have the cash to splash out on Rice which is unlikely. Not only do reports suggest that he could cost in excess of £100m, but a potential takeover may mean that the club’s pursestrings will be tightened.

There is no doubt that Rice would be a big improvement on some of the options that Jurgen Klopp currently has at his disposal but, if you consider the fact that the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City are also interested in the England international, you can’t see him being a realistic purchase at this time.