JAMES MADDISON threw a major spanner into Manchester United’s transfer plans by declaring to fans “of course” he will stay at Leicester City.
The England midfielder, 23, has been a target for the Red Devils for the past year after impressing in the Premier League since arriving at the King Power in 2018.
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However, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks as though he is going to miss out on the Foxes star – and must turn his attention to other targets such as Maddison’s pal Jack Grealish.
Manchester United – who did bring in Bruno Fernandes in January – would likely have had to stump up at least £100million to land the playmaker, considerably more than the £85m they paid Leicester for Harry Maguire last year.
But the ex-Norwich man insists he is “loving it” on Filbert Way and described joining the 2016 champions as one of the best decisions of his life.
Speaking to Leicester fan Roy on a call with BT Sport’s Team Talk, Maddison was asked if he is staying at the club.
He declared: “Of course I am.
“It was one of the best decisions I’ve made, coming here. I love it.”
Roy then replied: “You stay with us mate, you’ll be there. Don’t be going up that bloody M6.”
Appearing on That Peter Crouch Podcast, Maddison’s team-mate Kasper Schmeichel admitted his worry for the Coventry-born star due to the growing expectation on him.
The title-winning goalkeeper said: “He can be whatever he wants to be.
“Sometimes I worry for him – being English, playing for England. It brings a different level of expectation and scrutiny.
“His ability is ridiculous. He’s got everything in his locker – the sky’s the limit for him.”
Maddison has scored 13 and assisted ten in his 64 Premier League games for the Foxes.
And his performances this term have helped Brendan Rodgers’ side to third in the table – eight points clear of United – and dreaming of Champions League football before the season was suspended.
In his classy chat with fan Roy, he added: “I’m just isolating, the same as everyone else. It’s tough at the minute because we have to stay inside but kind of keep fit as well because we don’t know when the season is going to resume.
“This is a bigger dream than the title championship!”
James Maddison is the latest star in our #TeamTalk and diehard Foxes fan Roy had the best reaction yet!
Can he get Maddison to commit his future to Leicester?
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— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) April 25, 2020
“We’re just doing individual stuff at home. Brendan Rodgers sorted out his staff to send us stuff to do at home so we’re still keeping fit, we’re not sitting at home on the beers and the cakes, don’t worry about that!
“This situation is not ideal because we were doing so well and we were in the Champions League spaces.
“We just want to finish and try to secure one of those spaces because Champions League football is something I’ve always wanted to [play].”
