Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp would love to sign Declan Rice or Jude Bellingham in January, believes journalist Pete O'Rourke.

However, O'Rourke expects a deal for either player in the winter transfer window to be extremely difficult.

GiveMeSport Transfer Verdict

GiveMeSport Transfer Verdict

What is the latest news involving Rice and Bellingham?

Liverpool have been linked with both Rice and Bellingham as Klopp looks to strengthen his midfield.

According to Football Insider, the German sees the West Ham captain as an ideal fit for his side. Elsewhere, a report from The Telegraph has claimed that the Reds are expected to lead the chase for Bellingham next summer.

The same outlet has suggested that the Borussia Dortmund star could cost £130m, so it is not going to be a simple transfer.

As for Rice, West Ham manager David Moyes stated earlier this year that the east London club value the 23-year-old at £150m. "£150 million just now would be the minimum, but he is not for sale," he was quoted as saying by The Telegraph back in April.

What has O'Rourke said about Rice, Bellingham and Liverpool?

While O'Rourke is convinced Klopp would love to bring Rice or Bellingham to Anfield in January, the journalist thinks he will have to wait until the summer to sign either player.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, he said: "In an ideal world, I'm sure Jurgen Klopp would love the opportunity to go out there and buy a marquee player like Declan Rice or Jude Bellingham.

"But it's going to be a very hard deal to do in the January transfer window, even if you're offering big money, because the two selling clubs aren't going to want to lose their best players in the January transfer window. I think if Liverpool are to make a big signing, it'll have to probably wait until the summer transfer window."

Do Liverpool need to sign Rice or Bellingham?

Midfield is a bit of a problem area for Klopp, so recruiting one of Rice or Bellingham makes a lot of sense.

The likes of Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain continue to pick up injuries, while both players are also out of contract at the end of the season.

On top of that, Jordan Henderson and James Milner are in their 30s. The latter turns 37 in January, so he may not have that much left in the tank.

When you consider all of the above, Liverpool should do all they can to sign Rice or Bellingham, though they may have to wait until the summer to land one of the England duo.