BRENDAN RODGERS insists Leicester star James Maddison is going nowhere this month.
The Manchester United target faces Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg tonight and Foxes boss Rodgers says the club are still in talks over a new deal.
One-cap England midfielder James Maddison has been targeted by Manchester United but Leicester feel sure they can keep himCredit: Getty – Contributor
Foxes. boss Brendan Rodgers insists he hopes to retain James Maddison for the long haul, despite interest from Man UtdCredit: Getty – Contributor
The midfielder, 23, has a contract until 2023 and Rodgers said: “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 years.
“James and his representatives are speaking with the club. These things take time but his level has not dropped. He is playing at a high level.”
Rodgers is not expecting any other big names to leave this month.
‘NO NEED TO SELL’
Rodgers added: “There’s no pressure to sell and no need to sell.”
The Northern Irishman also defended the Carabao Cup as an historic part of English football amid calls to scrap it to free up dates and boost the FA Cup.
He added: “They’re both very, very important for our culture and history.
“Every competition has its own history. Especially when you’ve come through as a British coach, you really understand the significance of this.
“The FA Cup has suffered because of the timing. It wouldn’t suffer if it was maybe put back another week to allow recovery. But you’d never say you would want to scrap this competition in favour of that one.”
Leicester beat Villa in the semi-finals in 2000 before seeing off Tranmere 2-1 when it was known as the Worthington Cup.
Rodgers said: “I’m aware the club hasn’t been to a final for 20 years . . . so let’s get there then.
“Let’s not be worried too much about the past, let’s create new history.
“But we know we’re going to have to play well to get there. It’s always nice when you have something tangible to show for your progress.
“The players have been amazing so if you can do that it would be great. You can still do some great work as a team and as a club and not win but our ambition is to win.
“The appetite is to win and the mentality is to win every game. Any team that wins anything you have to move on to the next focus and target.”
Leicester vs Aston Villa – Live stream, TV channel, kick-off time and betting odds for Carabao Cup semi-final first leg
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
