Manchester United 'optimistic they can bring in James Maddison from Leicester in the summer window' with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer keen to overhaul his midfield
* Manchester United are said to be keen on a move for Leicester's James Maddison
* Reports say that the club are 'optimistic' that they can seal a move in the summer
* Maddison is a mainstay in the Leicester side and they will fight to keep him there
* United are looking to add creativity to their problem area which is their midfield
Manchester United are 'optimistic' that they can sign James Maddison from Leicester City in the summer, according to reports.
The English playmaker has seen his value rocket having established himself as a key member of the Foxes' side as they continue to look set to secure Champions League football.
United are said to be open to negotiating a move in January but the Manchester Evening News report that the club accept that is unlikely, and will instead focus their efforts on signing him come the summer.
James Maddison is a primary transfer target for Manchester United as they eye midfielders. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is set to move for Maddison in the summer with January tough for deals
United could well turn to defender Harry Maguire, who joined United from Leicester last summer for a world record £80million for a defender, to go on the charm offensive to convince Maddison to move.
The 23-year-old has emerged as one of Leicester's best players this season and has scored some stunners on way to posting nine goals and three assists from 23 appearances.
It is reported that the summer is a more available window to acquire Maddison with his representatives, according to the MEN, 'surprised' were he to move in January.
Maddison, who won his first senior England cap in November, fits the brief of what United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is after.
The Norwegian has targeted young, homegrown talents since taking the job on a permanent basis, with Welsh winger Daniel James joining English pair Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
But he may decide to sign a new deal to remain at Leicester and is likely to wait until the summer before weighing up his future.
Maddison's current deal runs until 2023 and while Leicester will be under no pressure to sell him, they will know they may need to make a show of commitment to him to keep suitors like United at bay.
Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers addressed talk of Maddison leaving in January and dismissed it out of hand.
'James is a very talented player and he will be here in January and beyond,' he said.
'He's a player we're keen to keep here and help us on this journey over the next few years.
'James and his representatives are speaking with the club. These things take time but his level has not dropped. He is playing at a high level. There's no pressure to sell and no need to sell.'
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