Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers has warned Manchester United and other clubs interested in signing midfielder James Maddison during the January transfer window to stay clear of the player.
The 23-year-old has been linked with a move to Old Trafford as United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is ready to reinforce his midfield options by offering Jesse Lingard plus £45 million to sign the Leicester superb midfielder. This report has made Lingard employ the services of super-agent Mino Raiola.
Maddison joined the Foxes for around £20m from Norwich in 2018 and still has three-and-a-half years remaining on his current £50,000-a-week contract. But he could be offered more if he joins Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side next summer. The 23-year-old has also been in good form this season and has been at the heart of Brendan Rodgers’ side as they occupy the second spot on the league table and win a Champions League qualification.
The Leicester midfielder has bagged six goals and three assists in 20 Premier League appearances and his fine performances have unsurprisingly seen him linked with a move away from the King Power Stadium and United are hopeful that the midfielder can be lured to Old Trafford in the summer.
The midfielder is not close to signing a new long-term deal at the King Power Stadium with the Red Devils ready to raid the club again after paying a similar £80m deal for Harry Maguire. Also, Man United chiefs are hoping that the defender can help persuade his former teammate to make the switch to Old Trafford.
However, speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Rodgers said Maddison is not for sale, expressing hope that the player will soon sign a new ideal, thereby committing his future to the Foxes for ‘years’ to come. Rodgers has declared that Maddison will not be leaving Leicester this month or anytime soon.
“There’s no pressure to sell and no need to sell,” Rodgers is quoted as saying by Sky Sports.
“James is a very talented player and he will be here in January and beyond. He’s a player we’re keen to remain here and help us on this journey over the next few years. James and his representatives are speaking with the club and these things take time.”
