Transfer clause means Reds could miss out on Vardy
Liverpool could miss out to Arsenal for Leicester striker Jamie Vardy after the Reds were unable to trigger the England star's release clause.
The Gunners are in talks to sign the Premier League champions' leading scorer after they submitted a £20million bid which activated a release clause in his current Foxes deal.
Jurgen Klopp's side are also interested in signing the 29-year-old and have offered him a bumper £140,000-a-week, but the release clause is only available to Champions League clubs.
That puts the Premier League runners-up in pole position to land Vardy, who is currently being paid £60,000 a week.
Arsene Wenger was at England's friendly with Portugal on Thursday evening and saw Vardy start up front for the Three Lions.
It is believed that the date of June 3 is significant to the release clause, and would mean Arsenal need to rush to get it done in the next few days.
Roy Hodgson has made it clear he does not want any of his side undergoing medicals or entering transfer discussions once the side has left for France.
Mirror Sport understands Arsenal were sounded out last month about Vardy and told about the 29-year-old's potential availability and that he wanted a four-year deal worth around £120,000-a-week.
They were cautious at that stage as they were concerned whether his season was a one-off and also about his age and the size of the contract.
But they have clearly decided to go for it, knowing that there is a clause in the Leicester contract which he only signed last season.
The Foxes have made it clear they do not want to sell any of their title winning heroes.
They may make Vardy a new offer and try to buy-out the escape clause, but they know it will be a battle now Arsenal have moved in and Liverpool are also willing to splash the cash.
Source: Daily Mirror
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