Liverpool and Tottenham’s James Maddison transfer battle affected by Norwich development

The 21-year-old midfielder is attracting plenty of interest after starring in the Championship this season.

Liverpool are looking to bring £20million-rated Maddison to Anfield but face being outgunned by Tottenham.

Spurs fancy snapping him up in this transfer window before loaning him back to Norwich until the end of the campaign. 

Maddison was watched by Tottenham and Manchester City during Norwich’s FA Cup third-round replay defeat at Chelsea on Wednesday, according to The Sun.

But Norwich are confident of seeing off interest in their star man until the summer. 

Canaries sporting director Stuart Webber insists the club are under no financial pressure to sell after raising funds this month.

£12.5m has come into the club thanks to the sales of Alex Pritchard to Huddersfield and Cameron Jerome to Derby County.

The wage budget has also been eased thanks to Yanic Wildschut, Russell Martin and Steven Naismith heading out on loan. 

Maddison has scored seven goals and provided five assists in 25 Championship appearances this term. 

The Coventry-born ace is under contract at Carrow Road until 2021 after penning an extension last summer.

head coach Daniel Farke insists the speculation is not affecting Maddison.

“There is no danger of him being distracted,” Farke said on Tuesday. 

“His attitude is brilliant, all the speculation and rumours are not easy for young lads but he is so focused and really grown up in his mentality. It won’t affect him.

“He knows sometimes the rumours and speculation are for the papers and perhaps not for reality. He is looking forward to the next big task, which is Chelsea and Sheffield.

“I get the feeling he is not scared.”