LEICESTER CITY want to reward Manchester United target James Maddison with a bumper new deal to reflect his status as one of the Premier League’s most sought-after talents.
SunSport can reveal the high-flying Foxes have secretly sounded out Maddison’s representatives about opening preliminary talks, with a view to extending the £24million midfielder’s current deal.
Leicester star James Maddison has enjoyed a superb start to the season – chipping in with six goals in 13 gamesCredit: Getty – Contributor
Although there is no need to rush as Maddison, who turns 23 tomorrow, still has three-and-a-half years remaining on his current £50,000-a-week contract, Leicester have always been pro-active when it comes to keeping their big names happy.
Club chiefs believe Maddison’s achievement in earning his first England cap against Montenegro last Thursday merits recognition and a pay-hike to reflect his new-found international status.
It would also send out a timely hands-off message to predators such as United, and other Premier League vultures who are currently eyeing up Brendan Rodgers’ exciting young squad.
United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been persistently linked with a summer swoop for crowd-pleaser Maddison, while speculation mounts that Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is eyeing up defensive pair Jonny Evans and Caglar Soyuncu.
England left-back Ben Chilwell, Portuguese right-back Ricardo Pereira and midfielder Wilfred Ndidi are also much-admired by a string of big clubs.
However last night, Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers re-assured fans none of his coveted kids are going anywhere in the January transfer window.
He said: “Every club will lose players at some point but we’ve absolutely no plans to lose anyone in January.
“We want to grow and there’s a lot of development left in this squad. Of course good players are going to be linked to other clubs.
Brendan Rodgers has made an instant impact at the Foxes after arriving from CelticCredit: Getty – Contributor
Maddison has netted against the likes of Arsenal, Spurs and Liverpool this seasonCredit: Reuters
“But our job is to keep what we have, which is important and, if there’s an opportunity to improve the squad in January we will look to do that.
“If not we will carry on with the squad we have, which is very strong. But we’ll certainly not be looking to lose anyone.”
Rodgers himself has been at the centre of speculation in recent days, with speculation suggesting he was Spurs’ first choice to replace Mauricio Pochettino, ahead of Jose Mourinho.
However Rodgers made it clear he is perfectly happy where he is and says Spurs have appointed the right man in Mourinho as they look to add a winning mentality to a squad which has looked stale and jaded following last season’s Champions’ League final defeat at the hands of Liverpool.
Asked about his link to the Spurs job, Rodgers said: “There’s nothing to talk on it. This game is full of gossip and speculation.
“The only thing I’ll say is I’m very happy here at Leicester. I’ve literally just joined the club, in February. Everything has been great since we’ve been in.
“We have a project here that we want to develop and my sole focus, along with my team and my staff, is on that.
Every club will lose players at some point but we’ve absolutely no plans to lose anyone in January.”
Brendan Rodgers
England international Maddison is tied down at the King Power Stadium until 2023Credit: PA:Press Association
“In this game, I’ve learned that you will always be linked with other jobs.
What’s most important is the now and I’m very happy here to work and to develop the club.
“What happens in football, when you’re doing well, everyone wants to take you away from that.
“I’m very happy in my professional life. I’m very happy in my life here in Leicestershire, it’s a great place to live and to work. We’ve created a real unity here at the club. I’m very happy to be here.
“As far as Spurs is concerned Jose is a top class manager. He’s shown that over many years.
“When I was at Chelsea he was a big influence on me as a young coach. His attention to detail was amazing and he was brilliant with me.
“He was always very open and happy to communicate his ideas.
“But I would like to recognise the great work Mauricio did before him – going into Tottenham when he did and the work he did with the club was fantastic.
“It’s unfortunate he’s moved on but it’s given Jose an opportunity to come into a very good club.
“He’ll look to do what he’s always done, which is to win and give them a trophy.”
James Maddison gambling with England career after pulling out of squad and being spotted at Leicester casino
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
