Ex-Liverpool man Steve Nicol has suggested that James Maddison could be a player that the Reds look to sign this summer as a replacement for Philippe Coutinho.
Coutinho has been linked with a return to Anfield having struggled since his big-money move to Barcelona, but with reports suggesting the Reds will not spend huge amounts this summer, Maddison could be a decent alternative.
For Barcelona to be tempted to cash in on Coutinho already, it would likely take around £100 million – a figure well above what the Reds are likely to want to hand out.
Klopp, though, having identified Nabil Fekir last summer, has recognised that another creative midfielder would be useful.
Nicol said to ESPN FC: “I would love to see a little change in that with somebody like Maddison, who no question has already shown in the Premier League, from the middle of the park, he can open defences up, he can create chances.”
With Coutinho returning to Anfield a little unlikely – partly because of the cost, and also because Jurgen Klopp is unlikely to have been a fan of the way he forced himself out of the club – Maddison could be one that the Reds look to bring in.
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He would cost much less than the Brazilian, and while he has not been consistent for Leicester at all times, he is still just 22.
He showed in Leicester’s game at the Etihad Stadium earlier this month that he has the quality to play for a top team. His dribbling, vision and free-kicks would certainly be an asset, while he would be able to develop further under Klopp’s guidance.
Klopp has shown before that he can take players from lower down the league and make them superstars, with Sadio Mane, Andy Robertson and Gini Wijnaldum all classic examples.
Especially if Adam Lallana does indeed move on this summer, Maddison could be brought in as a creative midfielder capable of playing in a couple of positions.