Manchester United are reportedly confident of signing Leicester star James Maddison either in the January transfer window or at the end of the season, according to reports.
The 22-year-old has been in fine form for the Foxes this season, scoring two goals and contributing with two assists amid the club’s positive start to the Premier League campaign.
Manchester United were linked with Maddison in the summer transfer window but ultimately couldn’t sign him, choosing to focus their interest on bolstering their backline.
Yet the Manchester Evening News say that United are confident of bringing the former Norwich City star to Old Trafford.
It is claimed that Maddison has been identified as a target by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who is determined to add creativity to his ranks.
Jesse Lingard has toiled in the No 10 role this season, while Juan Mata’s best days appear to be behind him.
United looked at signing a creative player in the summer, testing Juventus and Tottenham’s resolve on Paulo Dybala and Christian Eriksen.
But neither player was interested in a move to Old Trafford.
Dybala always preferred to stay at Juventus and fight for his future under Maurizio Sarri, who replaced Massimiliano Allegri in the Old Lady dugout.
Eriksen, meanwhile, was holding out for a move to La Liga titans Real Madrid instead.
And that’s why United may move for Maddison.
The report says that the club are confident of signing him, with his relationship with Maguire a key factor.
United paid a huge £85million in total to land Maguire from Leicester over the summer and are now hoping to reunite him with Maddison at Old Trafford.
However, Red Devils flop Kleberson had advised his former club against signing Maddison due to fears over whether he’d be up to the task.
“I don’t think it would be great for Maddison to join United,” the 2002 World Cup winner said.
“They [Leicester] have had a good start to the season but when you do a big jump from a smaller club to United, it is mentally tough for these players.
“They have to be able to learn to adapt to play at a big club.
“It will be interesting to see if they can, but I don’t know if he will be a good enough signing for United.”
United are next in action against Maddison’s old club, Norwich City, on Sunday (4.30pm).
And the Red Devils will be hoping for a better result than when they last met the Canaries. In 2015, they lost 2-1 at home to heap pressure onto Louis van Gaal.