Norwich City transfer rumours: Liverpool step up interest in £30m rated City star Cantwell

Reported interest in Norwich City midfielder Todd Cantwell has intensified, with league leaders Liverpool said to be preparing to step up their pursuit of the 21-year-old.

Cantwell has been a productive member of City's Premier League squad, scoring on six occasions since the Canaries returned to the top-flight in August.

His performances has seen him lauded by supporters and pundits alike. Cantwell was on the periphery of Daniel Farke's first-team squad last season but has emerged as one of City's shining lights this season.

The Athletic's David Ornstein is reporting that Jurgen Klopp's champions-elect Liverpool have expressed their admiration for City's starlet following the quality of his performances in the Premier League.

MORE: Pundit tips Cantwell to be a contender for 'young player of the year' after performances in the Premier League

Klopp was able to view Cantwell in close quarters on Saturday, when Liverpool continued their relentless unbeaten run with a hard-fought 1-0 victory at Carrow Road.

Cantwell played the entirety of that fixture and was one of City's star performers as he helped progressed the ball up the pitch to launch attacks.

The report suggests his performance on Saturday impressed both Liverpool's playing and coaching staff.

The Reds are long-term admirers of City's academy graduate and are said to be heading the queue, with Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur all interested in acquiring his services.

City have set a price tag of £30million for Cantwell even if they suffer relegation, according to Ornstein's report.

Meanwhile, the Independent's Melissa Reddy is reporting on Monday afternoon that Cantwell is not being considered as an active target at present, with Liverpool remaining interested in RB Leipzig forward Timo Werner. The reports suggests Liverpool are wary of blocking the development of youth prospects Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones.

Ex-City striker Chris Sutton opted to highlight Cantwell in his analysis on Saturday's Match of the Day, speaking to Gary Lineker, Sutton sang his praises.

"We had James Maddison at Carrow Road not so long ago, I think this boy is going places as well. He takes the ball in beautifully, he got his team up the pitch but what impressed me today was his defensive discipline. "I can't think of too many times when Alexander-Arnold got the better of him or got crosses in. He's a great player with wonderful talent.

"We'll see him playing for a top six club in the near future."

MORE: Cantwell opens up on mental struggle after intense online criticism last seasonIn an interview with the Daily Mail, Cantwell shared his aspirations for the future, but admitted his short-term focus is entirely on City's survival prospects.

Asked about whether he could play for a top six club in the future, Cantwell responded: "With development and improvement, I could definitely get to that position. But it touches a little bit on self-confidence. If you don't believe that then there's no real point in starting out in the first place.

"You've really got to believe that you can get to the highest point. If you don't, who will? I'm learning. Things aren't always going to be perfect.

"I'm going to make mistakes, I can assure you of that. But I genuinely feel like I'm becoming a better player.

"Sometimes I do have to pinch myself when I think about the fact that I've grown up in this city and now I get to pull on the shirt on a Saturday. It's surreal."