James Maddison looks set to stay in the Premier League this season even if Leicester are relegated amid speculation he could be on the way to Old Trafford.
The England international has attracted interest from Manchester United after an impressive campaign for the Foxes considering their collective struggles this term. Leicester are struggling desperately and languish as low as 16th in the table, with survival by no means guaranteed ahead of a tough run of fixtures in their final four games of the season.
Maddison's contract at the King Power expires in the summer of 2024, by which time Leicester could well be playing their football in the Championship. That also means this coming summer window marks the club's last realistic opportunity to generate meaningful cash for the playmaker.
United aren't alone in their interest in Maddison, with Newcastle also keeping tabs on the 26-year-old while Tottenham are also keen on bolstering their midfield options by bringing him to north London.
If Erik ten Hag does manage to convince Maddison Manchester is the place to be, he is not expected to come cheap, with reports suggesting that Leicester are holding out for a figure anywhere between £46million and £60million for their star man.
United could boast an advantage over other suitors given Maddison is a boyhood Red Devils fan, but the presence of Bruno Fernandes could ensure the Leicester man sees a reduction in the amount of game time he is used to.
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Former United striker Louis Saha certainly seems to think so, as he admitted he is unconvinced Maddison would be one of the first names on the Red Devils team-sheet.
"I have a lot of respect for James Maddison and it’s a shame to see him playing in this current Leicester City side that have really struggled this season," the Frenchman told Betfred.
"As a Manchester United fan, I want the club to have players that have full confidence in themselves and I believe James is a player that could have an impact at the club.
"He’s a top player but I’m not sure he’s a player that will play for Manchester United week in, week out. That’s the only question mark around this move."
It would seem that Ten Hag's main transfer priority is to add a new centre-forward and ease the goal-scoring burden currently placed on Marcus Rashford.
However, players of Maddison's quality are few and far between and if he is keen on donning the red and white of United, it would serve as quite the shock if Ten Hag opts against pursuing a deal.
