Leicester City boss sends hands-off warning to Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United for James Maddison
Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers has said that he wants to keep Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United transfer target James Maddison beyond the January transfer window.
The England playmaker has been linked with a move to Spurs and the Magpies recently. Newcastle even tried their luck with making offers, but Leicester City stood their ground.
Speaking ahead of the Foxes return to Premier League action this season against Newcastle United themselves on Sunday (h/t Football.London), the Northern Irish manager said:
“I’ve been given no indication that we have to do anything with James in January. He’s someone I want to keep here.”
“When you have good players, it’s a good sign, they’ll always be coveted by other teams. That’s OK, I’m confident those players will be here. My focus is on improving the squad. That’s what I want to do.”
Rodgers’ approach is commendable and based in reality. A player of Maddison’s profile will, of course, have interest from elsewhere – from teams that can promise him silverware and lucrative financial terms.
Hopefully, Spurs are still one of them, especially considering his contract situation. He could become a free agent in the summer of 2023 if he doesn’t pen a new deal.
A move in January could, hence, give the Foxes a chance to recoup at least something in transfer fees for the former Norwich City playmaker. But then again, keeping him for another few months could be the difference between them having a bad season or a good one.
More Tottenham Hotspur News:
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- Manchester City could be without Ruben Dias for Tottenham Hotspur clash
Nevertheless, Spurs must be one of the teams that follow his contract situation. We could desperately use a creative playmaker in our midfield and the 26-year-old fits the bill – especially if it’s on a free transfer.
