Michael Owen suggests Liverpool get Declan Rice if Jude Bellingham is not possible

Speaking on The Final Word show at Optus Sport (h/t Daily Mail), Michael Owen has suggested Liverpool sign West Ham United star Declan Rice if getting Jude Bellingham is not a possibility and he goes to Real Madrid.

A few weeks ago, Liverpool publicly revealed that they are out of the race to sign Bellingham this summer because they want the transfer fund to spread out on various signings, rather than spending the majority of it on one player.

The 19-year-old has been linked to top clubs in Europe, including Real Madrid. A few days ago, it was reported that he could go to the Spanish capital this summer. Los Blancos, given their history and clout, tend to get the players that they want.

That is, of course, a worry for Liverpool given the club also doesn’t boast a limitless funding when it comes transfers. With each passing week, the Jude Bellingham dream seems to be passing us by.

With that potentially out of the way, Owen is advising Liverpool to go for the next best option, which is to sign Rice. Here’s what the former Reds striker said (h/t Daily Mail):

“What if you can’t get the best? What if Jude Bellingham goes to Real Madrid, what’s your answer? Go and get the next best, try to get Declan Rice or get someone else who is of a top standard.

“All of this “just buy and get rid of players”, I don’t get it and it’s music to my ears that someone else has said the same.”

Rice has been a top target for Arsenal for a long time now. With Mikel Arteta’s men confirmed to play Champions League football next season, the England international may go there. Moreover, Arsenal is in the same city as his current West Ham – London.

Liverpool have another midfielder from a London club as their primary target – Mason Mount of Chelsea. While Mount is different in style and position to Rice, he is the type of player who can aggravate the quality of the Reds’ central midfield.

With regards to a defensive midfield signing, Manuel Ugarte of Sporting Lisbon has been talked about in the past few days. The Uruguay international has a release clause of £53m, which should be accessible to the Liverpool finances.

More Liverpool News:

• Chelsea eye a move for Liverpool target and Monaco midfielder Youssouf Fofana
• Bayern Munich star Ryan Gravenberch backed to push for Liverpool transfer
• Manchester City and Newcastle United pull out of race for Liverpool target Mason Mount

Bellingham was a long-term Reds target. So, if the club has decided not to sign him due to the money involved, they cannot simply switch targets like that. Instead, try and get the ones they have been keeping an eye on for the past few weeks.