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Everton could beat Liverpool to midfield transfer target

By David Gate

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - MARCH 27: James Maddison of England U21 in action during the U21 European Championship Qualifier match between England U21 and Ukraine U21 at Bramell Lane on March 27, 2018 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)
SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - MARCH 27: James Maddison of England U21 in action during the U21 European Championship Qualifier match between England U21 and Ukraine U21 at Bramell Lane on March 27, 2018 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images) /
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Liverpool could lose out to city rivals Everton in the race to sign Norwich City midfielder James Maddison in a huge transfer this summer.

Everton are not used to beating Liverpool. They have not seen a victory over the Reds in the Merseyside derby for the last 17 games. However they could pip Liverpool for a minor victory this summer in the transfer market.

The Blues are making the opening offer for Liverpool transfer target James Maddison. The Norwich City playmaker has been on Jurgen Klopp’s radar after a breakout season in the Championship this year.

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The 21-year-old bagged 14 goals and 8 assists and was The Canaries’ best player as they underwhelmed in mid-table. His form led to him breaking into the England Under-21 side.

Liverpool were linked to Maddison in April and May of this year; a fee of £30 million is thought to be his asking price. Tottenham Hotspur and Leicester have also been scouting the youngster but Everton will be the team kicking off the bidding.

The Toffees are desperate for some squad improvements especially in attacking midfield. Wayne Rooney has faded to irrelevance at the Premier League level and could be off to the MLS. Tom Davies is not good enough to play regularly for a top 8 side. The £50 million they shelled out on Gylfi Siggurdson looks a total waste at this point.

Maddison would be a genuine upgrade for them and would walk straight into the first team under new manager Marco Silva. First team football is the only reason he would choose to go to the blue end of Stanley Park if the Liverpool interest is genuine.

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Maddison would come to Anfield as a future prospect. He would be hard pressed to dislodge any of the current midfield or forward options. Although the club love his potential, perhaps they let this one go as they seek players with more chance of contributing to the first team this season like Xherdan Shaqiri from Stoke City.