Brendan Rodgers addresses Lingard, Maddison swap talk

Brendan Rodgers has denied speculation suggesting James Maddison is heading for Manchester United and said the midfielder is in talks to sign a new contract.

The Leicester and England midfielder has drawn many plaudits this season after starring for Rodgers’ side, not least from Old Trafford. With the Sunday Mirror reporting that United have offered Jesse Lingard plus £45million to sign Maddison.

The Foxes boss was asked directly about the rumour before admitting that the 23-year-old is in discussions about extending his deal with the Premier League high-flyers.

Asked about the Lingard-Maddison transfer talk Rodgers said: “You’re all talking speculation. I don’t talk about speculation and gossip. James is a very, very talented player, a wonderful player and he will be here in January and beyond.”

Rodgers, who said before Christmas none of his star players would be sold this month, claimed talks are “ongoing” over a new deal for Maddison, who has scored six goals and earned three assists in the Premier League this season.

Asked about Manchester United’s reported interest, Rodgers said: “There’s no message, it’s a month and pre-January there’s lots of speculation around lots of our players which is great because they’re talents and it means they and the team and doing very well.

“But nobody will leave here in January, that’s for sure. We want to add to the squad if we can.

“It’s been a fantastic first part of the season for us and we’ve started the second well so we want to continue with that rhythm and continuity with the player, developing them and the team and then see where we arrive at the end of the season.

“There’s no pressure to sell him and no need for us to sell. Our idea is to keep the squad together and can we add to it rather than diminish the quality.”

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