Leicester City will finally cash in on James Maddison this summer with Manchester United said to be among the sides tracking him.
Leicester – Premier League champions in 2016 – are currently battling to beat the drop to the Championship after a disappointing campaign, the Foxes sitting in the bottom three with five games to go and a potentially pivotal clash with Everton on Monday evening.
Despite their struggles, Maddison has comfortably been Leicester’s most important player this season, registering the most goal contributions for the club this season, his nine goals and seven assists seeing him five goal contributions clear of Harvey Barnes in second.
Maddison has just one year remaining on his deal at the King Power Stadium, however, and according to the Telegraph, the East Midands outfit will cash in on the 26-year-old, regardless of how their battle against the drop turns out.
Leicester – who recently announced record losses of £92.5 million – are said to be returning to their policy of cashing in on a ‘key asset’ this summer, with the likes of N’Golo Kante, Riyad Mahrez and Wesley Fofana among those to have been sold for profit over the years.
Maddison was subject of interest from Newcastle in the January transfer window, and the report says that the Magpies are still keen on the England international as they look to continue to bolster their side.
It adds that Tottenham and Manchester United are also keen on the creative midfielder, with both sides having been linked with strengthening their midfield departments this summer.
Leicester boss Dean Smith previously worked with Jack Grealish during his time at Aston Villa, and the 52-year-old says he can see similarities with the now Man City man, before insisting that Maddison is fully focused on the club’s battle to beat the drop.
“I think they are different types of players but they both know they’ve got ability and want to push themselves to become the best,” said Smith.
“I think when you’ve got players that have that personality and character they push you as coaches and you want to go and help them become better players. James seems to have that as well.
“He’s always looking to see what he can do better. He’s really engaging in the meetings we have and tactical meetings, and very vocal as well. I can see that similarity (with Grealish) of wanting to push himself.
“I’m liking what I’m seeing in training so far and he’s not disappointed in the games either. All the players are really focused and James is certainly one of them.”
Leicester are said to value Maddison somewhere between £45 million and £60 million, with the Foxes having rejected a £50 million bid from Newcastle in the winter window.
