‘I wouldn’t rule out Liverpool’: Newcastle, Tottenham deals may be hijacked as Klopp eyes £50m playmaker – Exclusive
James Maddison is keeping his options open ahead of the summer, TEAMtalk can reveal, with Liverpool potentially ready to swoop for the classy Leicester and England playmaker.
Newcastle, Tottenham and, more recently, Arsenal have all been tipped to make a move for the 26-year-old despite Maddison playing a Leicester side that has been battling relegation for the majority of the season.
Spurs in particular are crying out for an attacking midfielder, with a former star recently stating that Maddison will end up in north London.
However, Newcastle’s interest has been concrete ever since their big-money takeover. However, it appears that Jurgen Klopp’s Reds could be a major player for Maddison’s signature over the summer as well.
Meanwhile, Maddison has made it clear that he is ready to leave the King Power Stadium this summer, even if Leicester stay up.
And transfer insider Graeme Bailey has given us the latest on the player’s future, and the likelihood of where he will end up next.
Bailey told us: “I am told that Newcastle’s interest in Maddison has never dissipated. They have wanted him since last summer, it is a target agreed upon throughout the club from the board, to Dan Ashworth to Eddie Howe, they are in sync.
“Newcastle also know what sort of price the deal will be, however, there is a lot of interest. Newcastle will not have a clear run at him.
“Sources close to the player insist there are a number of clubs showing an interest. We know Tottenham have always been big fans and remain so, whilst I wouldn’t rule out Liverpool coming in for him.
“This is not a done deal in terms of where he is going to go, far from it.”
Liverpool interest could turn Maddison
It’s previously been reported that Maddison’s preferred destination is St James’ Park, but Liverpool throwing their name in the hat is likely to present a major headache to the Three Lions star.
The Reds are expected to have a major revamp this summer after a hugely disappointing campaign, with their midfield in need of major surgery.
James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita and loanee Arthur Melo are all set to move on when the season ends, with Klopp wanting more dynamism, power and creativity in his engine room – with Maddison certainly providing the latter.
The Foxes star will not come cheap, however, with Leicester hoping to fetch £50million for his services as clubs scramble for his signature.
