Everton are on high alert as Leicester have submitted a bid for their summer target James Maddison, according to a pair of reliable journalists.
John Percy, who writes for the Telegraph, released the news by means of his personal Twitter account on Sunday afternoon, while fellow reporter Laurie Whitwell claims that the fee could potentially rise to £24million:
#lcfc have made a bid of around £20m for Norwich’s James Maddison. Everton and Southampton also v keen but Leicester have made the first serious move… #ncfc #otbc
— John Percy (@JPercyTelegraph) June 17, 2018
As reported by @JPercyTelegraph, Leicester have made a bid for James Maddison. Understand £22m + £2m add-ons. Norwich giving serious consideration. Southampton + Everton also in hunt. More @MailSport
— Laurie Whitwell (@lauriewhitwell) June 17, 2018
Marco Silva’s Everton have been linked with a move for the promising talent, but appear to be losing the race to Leicester to land his signature who have made an opening bid for the Norwich goal machine, who scored 15 goals from his midfield role.
Since taking over as Everton boss, Silva has been tasked with reducing the clubs monumental wage bill, which in turn could have had a detrimental effect on the club’s transfer business.
OPINION
Everton must now move quickly if they are to stand any chance of landing Maddison. If Silva lets Maddison join Leicester that will represent a failure, as the attacking midfielder is widely regarded as being one of the most exciting prospects in English football currently. The 21-year-old flashed last season for Norwich, scoring 15 goals in the ultra-competitive Championship division. Everton are desperately lacking some young creative talent, as evidenced by the stale tenure of Sam Allardyce and the subsequent lack of goals. However, there are a certain number of experienced attacking options that Maddison could lean on should a move to Goodison be completed, which at this time is not expected. Silva will have to move extremely quickly if he wants to snatch the promising forward from Leicester, as time is running out and Norwich could accept the bid very soon. Perhaps a change of philosophy is needed to ensure his signing, in which Everton can bring the 21-year-old in, then reduce the team around him.