Leicester City transfer news from LeicestershireLive brings a round-up of what has been said about James Maddison’s future as the playmaker enters the final 18 months of his Foxes contract
James Maddison once again proved his worth to Leicester City at the weekend as the midfielder’s return from injury has come at the same time as two of the team’s best Premier League performances this season.
After missing four games after the World Cup due to a knee injury, he made his comeback as a second half substitute in the 2-2 draw with Brighton and Hove Albion at the end of last month. Maddison has since started, and scored in the 4-2 win over Aston Villa and the weekend’s 4-1 victory against Tottenham.
His form over the last year has caught the eye, with newly-rich Newcastle having two bids rejected by City in the summer. The Magpies continue to be linked with an interest in the midfielder, but no move came in January.
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With the winter window now closed, City fans know that Maddison will be weaving his magic at the King Power Stadium for at least another six months, but supporters will be hoping that lasts for longer. There is already speculation over what could happen when the summer transfer window re-opens at the end of the season.
Below, LeicestershireLive looks at the latest news around Maddison…
Contract admission
Brendan Rodgers has said that club can do no more to convince Maddison to sign a new contract with the club, after the midfielder was named as captain against Tottenham Hotspur.
Conversations have started over a new contract, but nothing is yet close.
Rodgers said: “No, (there’s nothing more City can do to convince him). I think he knows how much he’s loved and the impact he’s had here.
“It’s just going to be about him and where he sees the next steps of his career. That’s nothing against the club or against anyone, he’s probably a player that wants to play at the very highest level and he’s showing he can do that.
“He’s a top, top player but in the meantime we’re not taking anything away from him, he’s very committed. You see him, he led them out, his chest was out and he absolutely loved it, it was right up his street.”
Man City interest
Manchester City’s hopes of luring Maddison to the Etihad could be wrecked by the allegations of rule breaking which have rocked the Premier League champions.
Pep Guardiola’s side were linked with a move for Maddison during the recent transfer window. Since the window slammed shut, there have been fresh reports that Man City will move for Maddison in the summer, when he will have just 12 months left on his contract.
However, Monday’s bombshell news that the club has been charged with more than 100 alleged rules breaches related to their financial affairs must place their immediate transfer activity in doubt.
Leicester’s position
On deadline day, Leicester were “unlikely” to listen to any offers for Maddison.
According to the Daily Mirror, the Foxes have taken a firm stance on their star man’s future as they attempt to avoid relegation.
What Tete transfer means
Leicester made the eye-catching signing of Tete before the end of the transfer window, with the Brazilian signing a short-term deal from Shakhtar Donetsk.
The right-winger’s arrival delighted fans, and he lived up to that excitement on his debut on Saturday, starting the Premier League clash at Aston Villa. Tete was among the scorers as the Foxes roared to a 4-2 win at Villa Park.
We take a look at what the deal means for Maddison’s future.
Newcastle theory emerges
Newcastle United supporters were excited about a potential “dream” move for Maddison before the end of the recently-closed transfer window.
It was reported that City had received a “concrete offer” from an unnamed club for Maddison’s services, leading the Toon Army to come up with their own theories that it might be their club who have made the bid.
They spoke on social media about their excitement at the possibility of signing Maddison before the deadline. Below is a look at what they have been saying about the potential dream transfer.
Full story here
Gordon transfer amid Maddison interest
Former Premier League star Tim Sherwood believes Newcastle should have signed Maddison or Foxes teammate Harvey Barnes over Anthony Gordon.
The Magpies signed the 21-year-old forward from Everton in a deal that could rise to £45million with add-ons. Gordon had been with the Toffees since the age of 11 before making his first-team debut at 16. Despite the youngster’s talent, Sherwood added that Leicester’s duo are ‘proven’, have more experience and are able to unlock defences.
Read more here
‘Concrete offer’
The Foxes reportedly received a ‘concrete bid’ from an unnamed club for Maddison ahead of the January transfer deadline.
The England international has been linked with a big-money move to Newcastle in recent months, but City have so far resisted their offers. The Magpies saw two offers for the midfielder rejected in the summer.
