Exclusive: Danny Murphy on Klopp's extension, midfield signings and UCL Final

Former Liverpool player Danny Murphy has spoken exclusively to Anfield Watch about Jurgen Klopp's contract extension, future midfield signings and the Champions League final.

Today, Anfield Watch have an exclusive interview with former Liverpool player Danny Murphy, speaking on behalf of  The Punters Page.

Murphy played 249 games for Liverpool, scoring 44 goals and getting 41 assists. He was a part of the historic treble-winning team of 2001 which saw Liverpool win the FA Cup, League Cup and UEFA Cup.

The former Liverpool player spoke exclusively to us about what Jurgen Klopp's contract extension means for the club, which midfielder he would sign and who will win the Champions League final between Liverpool and Real Madrid.

How do you think Jurgen Klopp extending his contract is going to affect Liverpool in the future? 

"Stability is always a good thing at a football club and the fans are obviously delighted," said Murphy.

"He's still hungry for it, you can hear it in his interviews, but the biggest plus of it is when Liverpool decide to dip into the transfer market, then you've got a manager who's there for the next four years.

"As a player that really gives you a feeling of comfort because the manager who wants to sign you is on that journey with you.

"It's not a manager who's on their way out of the door in the next couple of years, so I think that's the biggest plus.

"In terms of the playing style, they'll just keep doing the same thing, they've been relentless now for a few seasons.

"They had a dip in the Premier League last season but there were mitigating circumstances around that.

"I just think it gives everybody a boost, keeps everybody on track and keeps the supporters on side and happy which is exactly what you need.

"Why wouldn't he sign a new deal? Why wouldn't the club give him one? Everything is just going so well."

Liverpool have been linked with Aurélien Tchouaméni, Jude Bellingham and others for a midfield signing this summer. Who do you think they should sign and why?

"Declan Rice for me 100%," said Murphy.

"I think if you're looking for a Jordan Henderson replacement, then you need somebody who could be there for the next ten years.

"Rice is a super athlete; he can get box-to-box like Henderson and he leads others around him.

"He doesn't have to play the holding role, but he could if Fabinho got injured, and I think he could become a great number eight in a better side.

"He'll be able to get forward more and score goals which he has shown at times.

"I know he'll be really expensive, and Liverpool won't pay that sort of money, but if you're asking me from a fan’s mindset and a pundit mindset, then if Liverpool were to only sign Declan Rice it would be a phenomenal signing.

"But as I say I think it would be unlikely."

Who do you think will win the Champions League?

"For me it's Liverpool, I just think the way they're playing and the momentum they've got," said Murphy.

"The first half wasn't perfect against Villarreal, but if anything, it gave them a kick up the backside.

"We've seen Real Madrid's comebacks in the competition, but they've been opened up so easily twice against Chelsea and Manchester City.

"They've conceded a lot of goals which could play right into Liverpool's hands.

"It’s going to be a fantastic game. It’s two teams who have a rich history in the competition and it’s hard to pick a winner.

"With the quality in both teams, it could go either way, but I think Liverpool will win it."