Despite getting an important point against Everton on Monday night, Leicester City are still lingering at the bottom end of the Premier League table. The Foxes, having axed Brendan Rodgers and replaced him with Dean Smith, currently find themselves level on points with Nottingham Forest in 18th position.
They are one of five clubs in real danger of being relegated this season, with Leeds, Everton and Southampton joining them and Steve Cooper's side in the fight for survival. Leicester's position in the table is a big surprise, especially when you consider they have - arguably - one of the best players out of the 'Top Six' in their ranks.
James Maddison, who is out of contract next year, will almost certainly not be playing his football for the Foxes next term. MEN Sport understands the England international is up for sale, and that he could cost around £40million. While United are not thought to be preparing a move for the midfielder at present, he has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford in the past.
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The 26-year-old attracted interest from the Red three years ago, with the player actually shortlisted above Donny van de Beek prior to the Dutchman's switch from Ajax to United. Given Maddison is a Reds fan, it comes as little surprise that talk of move to Old Trafford has never really gone away. However, with his Leicester career now coming to a natural conclusion, the rumours are likely to intensify a bit more in the coming months.
Maddison has captained the Foxes on a number of occasions in the absence of Jonny Evans this season. Having grabbed a stunning assist in the draw with the Toffees on Monday night, the England midfielder has now registered nine goals and eight assists in 28 appearances in all competitions this campaign.
While the majority of his games have come as an attacking midfielder, he has also frequently played on the right wing. Statistically, Maddison has registered a goal contribution every two games for the Foxes during his time at the King Power. Moreover, his versatility makes him an attractive prospect for any interested party, as well as his ability to influence games at the top end of the pitch.
For a period of time, he appeared to be the player that the Reds were missing, but following Bruno Fernandes' arrival at the club, talk of a move for Maddison slightly cooled. The Portuguese ace has slightly changed the way he plays this season, but the midfielder is still United's second-highest goalscorer, having managed 11 goals for Erik ten Hag's side.
Given that United signed Antony last summer, and Jadon Sancho joined from Borussia Dortmund before that, a winger is unlikely to be high on Ten Hag's priority list in the upcoming transfer window. Instead, the Reds will focus on recruiting a prolific striker who can help them score more than the 49 Premier League goals they have managed so far this season.
However, Ten Hag is also pushing for a midfield reinforcement, so a potential move for Maddison would depend on whether or not the United boss views the England ace as a winger, or an attack-minded No.8 who could play alongside Casemiro and/or Christian Eriksen.
Whether it is Old Trafford or in a different stadium, Maddison will likely be playing his football in front of a new set of home fans at the start of next season. He is out of contract in 2024, and Leicester will be content with getting some money for him, rather than losing him for nothing just one year later. Given his situation, he could prove to be a relatively cheap option for any interested clubs.
Although Antony has looked better in recent weeks, you would struggle to find many people who would start him over Maddison on the right wing next term. It would be a brave decision to drop one of Fernandes, Casemiro or Eriksen for him, so his only way of being a regular starter would be on the flanks.
The fact that Fred is joint-fifth in United's goalscoring chart tells you everything you need to know about their issues in front of goal this season. Marcus Rashford's 29 goals have played a massive part in the Reds being where they are in the league, but it is something Ten Hag will be desperate to improve on moving forward.
Under the Dutchman, there has clearly been an emphasis on recruiting young, hungry players. At just 26, Maddison still has a lot of his prime years ahead of him. He would add a new dimension to the Reds' side, and the goals he would bring from midfield would help to take some of the pressure off Fernandes and Rashford.
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