Liverpool have ‘active interest’ in £60m Leicester star ahead of summer transfer

Will Ford
Reported Newcastle target James Maddison celebrates his goal

Liverpool have an ‘active interest’ in Leicester star James Maddison ahead of the summer transfer window, according to reports.

Maddison has been a rose among thorns at Leicester this season, scoring nine goals with five assists from 20 appearances in all competitions.

There was significant interest in the 26-year-old last summer and there’s expected to be a transfer battle for him when the next window rolls around.

Maddison is out of contract in 2024 and has rebuffed new contract offers at the King Power Stadium.

Leciester will likely look to cash in on their prized asset rather than risk losing him for nothing in a year’s time, and Football Insider report that a fee of around £60m should be enough to persuade the Foxes to do business.

The report also states that Liverpool have an ‘active interest’ in Maddison and are ‘expected to be in the mix for his signature’.

They will likely have to battle both Newcastle and Tottenham, both of whom reportedly have the England international on their summer wishlists.

Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers said last month that he “won’t be begging for a player to stay” when asked about Maddison’s future at the club.

“It’s a conversation we’ve been having with James’ representatives for a while so there’s no change in that, not that I’m aware of,” he told a press conference.

“For me, it’s about making sure that, despite whatever the situation is, that James is playing at the best level he can be.

“Thankfully as a player he’s got experience now, he’s very focused on purely doing his best for us and staying available and fit.

“He’s a top player in the league and he’s shown that in his time here, gradually from when he’s come in to the position he’s in now, you can see that development take place.

“I think that’s the type of club we are – we’ll develop players, we’ll improve players, we can give them great conditions to work in – but I won’t be begging for a player to stay.

“This is a great club, there’s great support here on the pitch, off the pitch and if you’ve been here a while you understand what the club is all about and where it wants to go.

“But a player’s career is short, they always have to think of the future, but as long as that concentration and focus is here whilst they are here then that’s all I ever ask.

“Of course I’ll speak openly with players and regularly with them, so I understand what they’re thinking and then we just progress from there.”

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