They are England's stars, Klopp splashes out 150m to sign them

We don't know if, like Real Madrid, Liverpool are stepping aside in the race for Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund and England star at this World Cup in Qatar) because of the price the German club have set for him (150 million euros) or because Jürgen Klopp really feels another target is more necessary and is now seeing the light of day, but what is certain is that the announcement of the red attack on Gareth Southgate's other mainstay is a real earthquake in the Premier League.

Football Insider reports that, according to their sources, the player who is really in the head of Liverpool's next signing is not the Dortmund midfielder, but West Ham pivot Declan Rice. It is curious, because both are in the England manager's starting line-up for this World Cup. The 23-year-old, who is under contract with his club until 2024, but with an option for an extension if the Hammers see fit, could be the real bombshell for the Anfield tenants.

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It should be noted that when the British pivot's name came up in previous transfer windows there was talk of West Ham demanding no less than €150m for him (just the amount Dortmund were reportedly looking to sell their young star), so if there is one thing certain about this deal it is that it won't be a cheap signing for the Beatles' hometown club.

But what has changed to give Klopp a chance of landing the 23-year-old midfielder? Basically the situation at the English club, who find themselves in a precarious position in the Premier League, as they are only one point away from relegation, and who, either because of that or because they are looking for new challenges, Rice is refusing for now to negotiate a contract extension, which is burning stages for The Irons when it comes to asking for a millionaire which, on the other hand, would give them a huge margin to reinforce the team.

Klopp wants Bellingham and Rice

Klopp believes in him and has chosen his recourse; Milner, Henderson and Chamberlain are no longer convincing and the priority option is not Bellingham but Rice, Southgate's other key player. But where is Mbappé's story in this spending spree, and will so much money come to Liverpool?