Liverpool target Bellingham's England teammate in £60m deal, he's been excellent this season

Liverpool are reportedly lining up a bid to sign Leicester and England star James Maddison in January.

Maddison, 26, has been in excellent form for Leicester in the Premier League this season.

The attacking midfielder has scored seven goals and provided four assists in 14 appearances for the Foxes in the current campaign.

That form earned him a place in England's World Cup squad for Qatar.

But he failed to play a single minute as Gareth Southgate's side were eliminated at the quarter-final stage, following a hard-fought 2-1 defeat to defending champions France.

Liverpool considering Maddison bid

According to Fichajes, Liverpool are considering a move for Maddison in the January transfer window.

Jurgen Klopp's side are in need of attacking reinforcements, with Diogo Jota ruled out until February with a calf problem and Luis Diaz expected to be sidelined until March after undergoing knee surgery.

Leicester are currently 13^th in the Premier League but are only four points above the relegation places.

Brendan Rodgers' side will be reluctant to lose their best player midway through the season, with a potential relegation battle ahead.

According to Football Insider, Leicester have slapped a £60m price tag on Maddison ahead of the window, with Newcastle also considering a bid for the midfielder.

Maddison in awe of Messi

Maddison took to Twitter on Wednesday to express his admiration for Argentina icon Lionel Messi, after he inspired his nation to a 3-0 win over Croatia in the first World Cup semi-final.

"Wasn't sure whether I was going to watch the rest of the World Cup after we were eliminated," tweeted Maddison.

"But how can you turn down the opportunity to watch Leo Messi when he can still play to that level at the age of 35. Honestly astonishing."