January transfer window: Norwich beat Liverpool to the signing of James Maddison from Coventry City

Norwich City have beaten Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur to the signing of Coventry City midfielder James Maddison. The young League One footballer has agreed a three-and-a-half-year deal with the Canaries with an option of a further year. The transfer, however, is subject to the approval of the relevant football bodies.

Maddison, who has made 12 appearances for the Sky Blues thus far this campaign, will remain on loan with his former club until the end of the season before joining up with his new teammates at Carrow Road in the summer. The 19-year-old has scored two goals and provided three appearances in all competitions for Coventry.

According to the Liverpool Echo, the Reds were keen on signing the young midfielder and had made their interest known to the League One club. But the report claims that the Merseysiders were only looking at a summer move. The White Hart Lane outfit were also lined with a move for Maddison, and according to the Independent, Mauricio Pochettino was determined to land the future prospect.

Alex Neil, who has been one of the busiest managers during the recently concluded winter transfer window, is delighted to have beaten off competition from some of the Premier League big guns to land the talented midfielder's signature. Maddison, who is set to complete the season at the Ricoh Arena, is already looking towards the next season, but with the Canaries tottering just two points above the relegation zone, there is no guarantee of Premier League football next campaign.

"We're delighted to sign James as he is a fantastic prospect who has already made a mark at Coventry at such a young age. He has real potential to develop, making this deal one we're really pleased to get over the line," the Canaries boss said, as quoted by Norwich's official site.

"James will return to on loan Coventry for the rest of the season to continue his development before joining up with us on a full-time basis in the summer."

"I've been working hard towards achieving this goal and I'm delighted to be signing for a club the size and stature of Norwich," Maddison added, as quoted on the official site.

"They are a club moving in the right direction and I'm looking forward to progressing my career there after finishing this season at Coventry."