New Maddison contract would not rule out United move

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Manchester United have had a good week but that does not mask the need to strengthen the squad as soon as they get the chance.

Doing business in January is notoriously difficult but it is a market United should use if the right opportunity comes up.

Following the summer signing of Harry Maguire from Leicester, the MEN reported in October that United were eyeing up another Foxes star – James Maddison.

Leicester trying to tie their man down

The Daily Mail recently reported that Leicester are in talks with the playmaker over extending his current contract.

With Leicester currently second in the Premier League and now on a run of eight straight wins, the report says the Englishman is ‘likely’ to sign a new deal.

That could cause United to decide that it is best to try and act quickly – next month – before he commits his future to the Foxes.

However, United have the financial might to buy Maddison regardless, and a contract means little nowadays.

Maguire signed new Leicester deal months before leaving

Harry Maguire signed a new contract at the King Power Stadium in September 2018, under a year before he departed to join United. (BBC)

All that deal really meant was that Leicester could demand top dollar for the England international, but United were able to afford his £80 million asking price.

It also shows that Leicester have form for convincing sought-after players to sign new deals before being open to selling them at the right value.

So there’s no reason that a new Leicester contract should stop Maddison becoming a United player still in the not so distant future.

It might rule out a January swoop, but it is going to be tricky to tempt him away mid-season anyway considering their form.

Don’t be surprised if he signs a new contract and we still manage to get him in the summer.

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