Brendan Rodgers guarantees Man Utd target will stay ‘beyond January’

January 8, 2020

Amid constant rumours of a big-money move to Manchester United, Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers insists James Maddison will be going nowhere in the January window.

Earlier in the week, the Daily Mirror reported that Maddison could be heading to United for £45m plus Jesse Lingard, but Rodgers was quick to denounce the report and declare the Foxes as buyers, not sellers, in the current market.

“There’s no pressure to sell and no need to sell,” Rodgers told reporters ahead of their first-leg EFL Cup semi-final against Aston Villa.

“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 and these things take time.

“We want to add to the squad if we can. It all comes down to availability. We’ve got a really strong squad and lots of them are young players evolving.

“We want to [sign players] but if we can’t we’ll continue with the squad we’ve got and look to reinforce in the summer.”

Maddison, who is currently rated €60 by Transfermarkt, has continued his fine form this season to the tune of nine goals and three assists in 23 games in all competitions.

Leicester City are looking for their first EFL Cup trophy since they defeated Tranmere Rovers 2-1 in the final 20 years ago.