Even if Leicester are relegated, James Maddison looks poised to stay in the Premier League this season, despite talk that he could be on his way to Old Trafford.
The England international has piqued United's interest following a successful season for the Foxes despite their troubles this season. Leicester are in desperate need of a win and have dropped as low as 16th in the table, with survival not certain ahead of a difficult run of fixtures in their final four games of the season.
Maddison's contract with Leicester expires in the summer of 2024, by which time the club might be in the Championship. That also means that the upcoming summer window represents the club's last realistic chance to generate significant cash for the playmaker.
United aren't the only club interested in Maddison; Newcastle and Tottenham are also interested in improving their midfield options by bringing him to north London.
If Erik ten Hag can persuade Maddison that Manchester is the place for him, he will not be cheap, with sources claiming that Leicester are asking between £46 million and £60 million for their star player.
United may have an advantage over other suitors because Maddison is a lifelong Red Devils supporter, although the presence of Bruno Fernandes may result in the Leicester man seeing less game time than he is used to.
Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha seems to believe so, admitting that he is not confident 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."
Ten Hag's major transfer priority appears to be adding a new center-forward to relieve the goal-scoring pressure now placed on Marcus Rashford.
However, players of Maddison's caliber are hard to come by, and if he is keen on donning the red and white of United, Ten Hag's refusal to pursue a deal would come as quite a surprise.
What was heard about James Maddison to Manchester United
Leicester City's mid fielder James Maddison is the subject of an intriguing transfer rumor involving Manchester United. Manchester United is reportedly eyeing a summer transfer for the England international, according to The Telegraph.
Regardless matter whether Leicester avoids relegation, Maddison, 26, is anticipated to leave this summer.
Due to the fact that the creative midfielder's contract expires in June 2024, Leicester cannot demand a premium for his services.
James Maddison, according to The Telegraph, might be sold for as little as £45 million, with a ceiling of £60 million. This is not equivalent to £80 million. When Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was reportedly interested in signing him in late 2019, The Star reported that Leicester were after his signature.
Earlier that summer, Leicester had sold Harry Maguire to United for the same sum. Since then, they have profited from Wesley Fofana's sale to Chelsea for £75 million last summer.
However, given Maddison's experience, talent, and age, a price of £45 million would be reasonable given that his contract is about to expire.
He has 42 Premier League goals to his name throughout the course of his career. This season, he has scored nine goals and given the relegation-threatened Foxes eight assists.
James Maddison has occasionally subbed out wide for Leicester this season and can play in a range of midfield positions.
In order to give Erik ten Hag the opportunity to play Bruno Fernandes more frequently in a deeper role, his primary function at Manchester United would be as a central attacking midfielder.
During Christian Eriksen's absence at the beginning of April, Fernandes performed admirably in the position, making an impression with his blend of control and discipline.
Over the course of the season, Maddison would lessen Fernandes' workload while also enabling Erik Ten Hag to utilize the Portugal star in a different way.