Having missed out on a couple of top transfer targets in the summer, Manchester United are now looking to lay foundations for future transfers.
They continue to be interested in some of the finest footballers in Europe and a report from Mirror states that Leicester City star James Maddison is the latest player on their wish-list.
The story claims that the Red Devils could show their interest in January, but might have to wait till the end of the season to get this deal done. He could cost around £80m but at that price, is this deal worth all the hassle?
Maddison And His Rise:
The 22-year old announced himself to English football with Coventry City but only made a name for himself in the 2017/18 Championship campaign where he registered 14 goals and eight assists playing as the lynchpin for Norwich City under Daniel Farke.
He was picked up by Leicester City the summer after that season, and Maddison did not fail to impress in his first top-flight campaign. He scored seven goals and picked up seven assists, as he helped The Foxes to a place in the top half of the points table.
An intelligent player with gifted technique and vision, Maddison is excellent with his set-piece delivery and was one of the most creative players for Leicester City last season.
He showed strength in hold up play and ability to dribble past opponents in enough measure to test even the best of defenders in the league.
Maddison is equally effective on the flank as he is in a no.10 role. He was also impressive when used in a slightly deeper role in the middle of the park and his presence has made Leicester City a tough side to beat.
He is one of the first names on the team sheet for Brendan Rodgers this season, and already has a couple of assists to his name so it does not come as a surprise that Manchester United are interested in his services.
Is He Worth The Fuss?
Maddison will have three years left on his deal after the end of the current campaign. He is also expected to break into Gareth Southgate’s national side.
His age and his potential justify his price tag, especially in the current transfer market. He fulfils all the requirements for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s recruitment policy and signing him makes a lot of sense for the Red Devils.
Playing alongside the likes of Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford, Paul Pogba, Scott McTominay, Daniel James and Jesse Lingard, Maddison could assume a crucial place in the squad, which could be enough for United to lure him out of Leicester.
His addition will also allow Solskjaer to use Pogba and Maddison on either side of a defensive midfielder, adding more mettle to their squad.
Maddison’s versatility will also solve a couple of impending issues at the club and though his price may be a bit expensive, signing a player with such potential is exactly how United want to move forward. Surely, they should do what it takes to land the 22-year old next summer if he indeed on their shortlist.