Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp adds second player facing relegation to transfer shortlist | Football | Sport
Liverpool have reportedly registered an interest in England playmaker James Maddison with Leicester staring at the prospect of relegation from the Premier League. Maddison could be available as a cut-price option for clubs who want to strengthen their midfield options.
Maddison has been frequently linked with a transfer in recent windows. The summer possibly presents the best option for the 26-year-old to explore his options, especially if the Foxes fail to survive the drop.
Liverpool are expected to replenish their midfield in the summer, with a lack of energy in the middle of the park a key reason for their slump under Jurgen Klopp. The Anfield hierarchy are surveying their options ahead of the summer, although it is widely reported that Jude Bellingham remains their No 1 target.
The Reds have apparently registered their interest in Maddison ahead of the summer transfer window. Tottenham are also supposedly keen on a potential move, with their new manager likely to want more creativity in midfield.
According to 90min, Liverpool and Spurs have both informed Maddison’s representatives of their interest in the former Norwich star. Leicester are reportedly accepting that they may need to part ways with their key man after he turned down several new contract offers.
However, the Foxes apparently want at least £50million for the player who has bagged nine goals this season and worked his way back into the England setup. With Liverpool already facing paying north of £100m for Bellingham, they might want to negotiate down any Maddison fee.
News of their interest in Maddison comes after Liverpool were linked with another player who could possibly suffer relegation. Southampton starlet Romeo Lavia is reportedly of interest to the Merseyside outfit.
The teenager has performed on the South Coast since joining from Manchester City last summer. But Southampton now seem destined for the drop, sitting four points off safety.
Lavia has even impressed former boss Pep Guardiola, who gave a glowing reference of the 19-year-old ahead of City’s visit to Southampton this weekend. “I’m really impressed with what Romeo has done, and is doing,” the Spaniard said.
“We have an incredible opinion of him. We thought to keep him, but thought we couldn’t give him enough minutes like he has at Southampton.”
City reportedly have a buy-back clause for Lavia. Liverpool might need to jump ahead of the queue if they are to sign the Belgian.
