Liverpool actively pursuing top Premier League star also wanted by Tottenham, as eye-catching price tag revealed

James Maddison and Wilfried Zaha

Liverpool are in the mix to sign Tottenham-linked star James Maddison, while his price tag has also been revealed by a report.

Maddison is enjoying a successful campaign, despite having to deal with some injury problems. He has played in 20 matches in all competitions so far, registering nine goals and five assists.

He has been arguably Leicester’s most reliable player during a season in which they have languished near the bottom of the Premier League table.

But the Foxes are at risk of losing him due to his contract situation. His current deal expires in June 2024 and there are concerns he might not pen an extension. This would force the club to sell him this summer, or risk a free-transfer exit in summer 2024.

Transfer insider Graeme Bailey provided an update on the attacking midfielder’s situation on Sunday. He revealed how Leicester chiefs are incredibly frustrated with Caglar Soyuncu and Youri Tielemans departing for free at the end of this season.

They acknowledge that this cannot happen again in future. As such, if Maddison rejects their contract proposals, he will be sold this summer, rather than be allowed to leave for nothing in the future.

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Tottenham are understood to be keeping tabs on Maddison’s situation, while Newcastle are also in the frame. According to an update from Football Insider, those two clubs will have to fend off Liverpool for the playmaker.

It is claimed Jurgen Klopp’s side are ‘actively’ chasing Maddison’s signature. They will pounce if he decides not to agree fresh terms at the King Power.

Leicester star eyed as part of Liverpool midfield overhaul

Liverpool’s need for a midfield rebuild is obvious. Other England internationals such as Jude Bellingham and Mason Mount will likely be targeted. But the Reds are also eyeing up Maddison as a potential addition.

His goals and creativity could help Liverpool become even more efficient in the final third. A midfield three of Maddison, Fabinho and Bellingham, for example, would be strong in both defence and attack.

However, Liverpool will have to spend big to form such a devastating midfield trio. Bellingham could cost over £100million due to his exceptional performances at Borussia Dortmund.

Maddison’s price tag, meanwhile, only seems to be rising, despite his contract getting closer to expiry. While Leicester have previously asked for £60m for the 26-year-old, Football Insider claim they will now ask for between £60-70m for their talisman.

Maddison moving to Anfield for £70m would see him become the third-most expensive Leicester departure. Only Harry Maguire (£80m) and Wesley Fofana (£75m) will have cost more when leaving the club.

A transfer at £70m would also result in Maddison becoming the third-most expensive Liverpool arrival of all time. The record is current held by Darwin Nunez (£85m), while centre-back Virgil van Dijk is in second (£75m).

Meanwhile, both Liverpool and Arsenal are interested in a Chelsea defender, according to a report.