Man Utd to steer clear of Maddison deal after key transfer development

Advanced negotiations between Leicester City and James Maddison over a new contract have seen the midfielder drop down Manchester United’s list of summer targets, according to a report.

Maddison has become one of the Premier League’s most sought-after talents in recent seasons after becoming a key part of the Leicester side.

Seven goals and seven assists in the top flight last term have been followed up with six goals and three assists in the current campaign, as well as a say in the debate over who should start for Gareth Southgate’s England side.

Maddison has reportedly been on United’s radar for some time now, with boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer keen to focus his Old Trafford rebuild on young, hungry talent.

The Red Devils did not make a move for the 22-year-old last summer and chose not to in January, with the Foxes unwilling to let him leave as they push for a top-four Premier League finish.

According to the Sunday Express, Maddison is now in advanced negotiations about signing a new long-term contract at the King Power Stadium.

The deal is expected to be finalised before the Premier League’s winter break ends next weekend, taking Maddison’s contract in the East Midlands past its current end date of 2023.

As such, United have cooled their interest in the Englishman, with Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish moving to the top of the club’s wish list.

Grealish has been similarly influential for Villa this season after making the step up from the Championship.

Reports elsewhere in Sunday’s newspapers claimed that Grealish has agreed provisional terms with the Red Devils over a summer move.

The latest report says no formal talks have yet taken place between the two clubs, but that Grealish has been house-hunting in anticipation of the move.

Read more…