Liverpool’s opening offer for Norwich City’s Jamal Lewis rejected

The Premier League champions were ready to pay £8million plus a further £2m in add-ons but the relegated Canaries value the Northern Irishman at double that

Norwich City have rejected Liverpool’s opening offer of £10million for left-back Jamal Lewis, whom they value at double the cost.

As revealed by The Independent on Wednesday, the Premier League champions want the 22-year-old to bolster a position that Andy Robertson is their only natural candidate in.

Lewis wants the move to Anfield and negotiations will continue, but Liverpool have three other options on their shortlist, including Olympiakos’ Kostas Tsimikas.

There is confidence a middle ground on the initial fee and clauses can be agreed given the player’s desire to develop under Jurgen Klopp.

Liverpool’s initial bid included a substantial sell-on fee and Norwich have also been scouting their academy prospect Yasser Larouci, which could smooth a deal.

The Northern Ireland international is represented by PLG, who also manage Robertson and fellow Liverpool fullback Trent Alexander-Arnold. Strong in the dribble and with an impressive passing range, he can also operate on the left of midfield.

An added benefit is the defender’s homegrown status, which makes him more valuable in the context of the Brexit changes that will be enforced.

Lewis will not be short of offers in the window and he flew home from Mykonos over the weekend to be in prime condition for a transfer – whether the destination is to Anfield or another top-flight club.