Manchester United are more likely to sign a game-changing centre-forward in January than a player like James Maddison, says transfer insider Dean Jones.
The Leicester City attacking midfielder has made an amazing start to the season, but Jones doubts he is currently on Erik ten Hag’s list.
What is the latest news involving Maddison?
Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers recently admitted that he expects Maddison, who is valued at £45m by Transfermarkt, to generate plenty of interest in January.
“I would think [there would be],” the Foxes boss was recently quoted as saying by the Daily Mail.
“My job is to coach him every day and make him the best he can be. It’s only natural you want your absolute best players to be here, and we keep saying that, but we keep losing them. He’s never a player you would want to lose.”
In eight Premier League games this season, Maddison has already scored five goals and provided two assists, so it would be no surprise if someone came in for the 25-year-old in January.
What has Jones said about Maddison and United’s January plans?
While Maddison attracting interest in the winter transfer window now looks inevitable, Jones does not expect United to make a move for the £110,000-a-week England international, as the Red Devils have other priorities like bringing in a new No.9.
When asked if his form could tempt a big club like United to make an approach, the journalist told GIVEMESPORT: “I just don’t think that’s where United are looking right now, that style of player.
“They’re fully focused on this current group and potentially adding, I guess, a game-changer in January if they can. Ultimately, I would expect that to be a more traditional centre-forward.”
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Do United need to sign a new striker?
Be it in January or next summer, a centre-forward probably has to be on Ten Hag’s list.
The Dutchman could soon be without Cristiano Ronaldo, with The Telegraph claiming that the 37-year-old is eyeing an exit in the winter window.
Regarding Ten Hag’s other forwards at Old Trafford right now, Marcus Rashford has less than 12 months remaining on his current contract, though United do have the option to extend it, while Anthony Martial is finding it really difficult to stay fit.
When you consider all of that, it would not be a shock to see United prioritise a No.9 over a playmaker like Maddison.
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