"?Liverpool have lined up a huge offer of £140,000-a-week for Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy, but could miss out on the 29-year-old due to the player's release clause, according to the "?Mirror. "? "?That comes despite a conflicting report in the "?Liverpool Echo stating that Vardy is not even on Liverpool's summer shopping list and is therefore not being pursued by Reds boss Jurgen Klopp or any of the Anfield recruitment team.
The Gunners have reportedly triggered the clause, placing a bid of £20m, but Liverpool won't be able to do so as the privilege is only available to clubs playing in the Champions League next season.
That leaves the London club in the driver's seat - for now - and they should be working feverishly to prepare a proposal for the forward. But they have to do it fast, as Roy Hodgson does not want his players taking part in transfer discussions or undergoing medicals after they leave for the Euro 16 tournament in France.
Arsene Wenger was at England's friendly against Portugal on Thursday, and it is believed that the French boss was there to scout the Leicester hotshot.
The Mirror also understands that Arsenal were contacted by persons in Vardy's camp last month, informing the club that the player could be available under the right circumstances, which includes wages of £120,000-a-week - twice as much as what he makes now.
Arsenal were hesitant at the time, due to the player's age and the uncertainty over whether he only had a one-off campaign. But they have apparently decided to go for the player, knowing that he only signed a new contract, inclusive of the clause, last year.
Leicester, on the other hand, have taken a strong stance against selling any of their stars, but they may find this summer a tough one as they struggle to hold on to their title winners.