MADDISON BLOW FOR UNITED

UNITED TARGET MADDISON THINKING ABOUT EXTENDING HIS CONTRACT AT LEICESTER

JAMES Maddison is considering signing a new contract with Leicester despite strong interest from United.

The Reds have earmarked the midfielder, 22, as a long-term target but M.E.N. Sport understands the playmaker could re-sign with the Foxes.

Sources close to Maddison, who was a boyhood United fan, insist a new deal with Leicester is not close and the player could wait until the end of the season before deciding on his future.

He is contracted to Leicester, who lie second in the Premier League, until 2023 but his stock has soared this season, resulting in a first England cap in the 7-0 thrashing of Montenegro at Wembley last week.

United want a minimum of four signings across the winter and summer transfer windows next year and their interest in Maddison emerged in June.

The Reds intend to have settled on their list of priority targets for the summer window by January and view Maddison as the ideal profile of player since he fits their ‘young and British’ strategy.

Former Norwich forward Maddison has already contributed four goals and as many assists for Leicester, who appear well poised to break into the Premier League top six.

Leicester could command a similar fee to Harry Maguire for Maddison if he angles for a departure. Leicester received £60m from City for Riyad Mahrez last year, Danny Drinkwater joined Chelsea for £35m in 2017 and N’Golo Kante moved to Stamford Bridge in a £30m move in 2016.