Leicester City

Nottinghamshire Police arrested a man who ran onto the pitch during Nottingham Forest's 4-1 victory over Leicester City in the FA Cup on Sunday.

"Investigations are in the very early stages and our enquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident are ongoing," chief inspector Neil Williams said.

The man confronted Nottingham Forest players who were celebrating Joe Worrall's goal in the 32nd minute.

A 'fan' ran onto the pitch and attacked Nottingham Forest players while they celebrated scoring a goal vs. Leicester City today. pic.twitter.com/0wx9A5Icwg

— B/R Football (@brfootball) February 6, 2022

Leicester City issued a statement saying it was "appalled by such behaviour and offers its apologies to Nottingham Forest and its players whose safety was compromised." The club also said the supporter is facing a lifetime ban from Leicester City matches at King Power Stadium and any away ground.

Per the Guardian's Peter Lansley, the supporter's actions are also the subject of an investigation by England's Football Association.

The incident didn't overshadow arguably the most shocking result from the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Philip Zinckernagel gave Forest the lead in the 23rd minute, and Leicester was just getting play restarted from the kickoff when Brennan Johnson doubled his club's lead.

IT'S THE STAR BOY 🤩

Brennan Johnson has scored straight from kick-off! ⚡️@NFFC #EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/gQMZoxyBln

— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) February 6, 2022

Staring at a 3-0 deficit, Kelechi Iheanacho's opener for Leicester provided little consolation in the 40th minute, and Djed Spence added a fourth for Nottingham Forest in the 61st minute.

Forest will play Huddersfield Town on March 2 in the next round of the FA Cup.

Liverpool and Chelsea secured the last two Premier League berths in next season's UEFA Champions League during Sunday's final matches of the 2020-21 EPL campaign.

Manchester City, the previously crowned Premier League champions, and Manchester United had already clinched their UCL tickets in earlier weeks.

Leicester City and West Ham United, who finished fifth and sixth in the table, respectively, will head to the Europa League group stage for the 2021-22 season, while Tottenham Hotspur earned seventh place and will take part in the Europa Conference League playoff round.

The day started with a three-team race for the final two Champions League berths. Chelsea held a one-point advantage over Liverpool and Leicester.

While the Blues' 2-1 loss to Aston Villa left the door open for both chase clubs to leapfrog them in the standings, only the Reds took advantage. Liverpool scored a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace, but the Foxes allowed three goals in the final 20 minutes in a 4-2 defeat at the hands of Spurs.

The victory by Ryan Mason's side was crucial in their own pursuit of European football next season as Arsenal scored a 2-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion, which would have pushed the Gunners into seventh place if Spurs didn't make their comeback against Leicester.

Let's check out the full list of results from Sunday's action:

And breathe 😅 pic.twitter.com/AJXvCksnhA

— Premier League (@premierleague) May 23, 2021

And here's a look at the final Premier League table:

The 2020/21 #PL season: ✅ pic.twitter.com/n34hMYHwHi

— Premier League (@premierleague) May 23, 2021

Fulham, West Bromwich Albion and Sheffield United were the relegated clubs.

Spurs' Harry Kane finished the season with both the most goals (23) and assists (14) in the league. It's just the third player in history to lead the Premier League in both categories, joining Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink (1998-99) and Andy Cole (1993-94), per ESPN Stats & Info.

Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson paced the EPL with 19 clean sheets.

The 2021-22 Premier League season is scheduled to get underway Aug. 14. The fixtures will be released June 16.

Although the English Premier League, like so many other sports across the world, is on hiatus because of the coronavirus pandemic, Leicester City left-back Ben Chilwell had plenty to talk about when he sat down with Bleacher Report for an AMA on Thursday.

Chilwell discussed a number of topics, including his pick in the Lionel Messi vs. Cristiano Ronaldo debate, who his top three players in the Premier League are, who the best English player of all time is and what it is like to face Mohamed Salah.

The following is the full transcript from the AMA session.

           

@AFinkelstein6: Messi or Ronaldo?

Messi. Ronaldo is an unbelievable athlete, [Messi is] just the best player who's ever actually played the game. 

               

@TACKOFALLFANCLUB: Wow, big fan here. What is your favourite cartoon of all time?

Recess. Grew up on it and been watching it on Disney+.

              

@AFinkelstein6: Who would you say is the toughest opponent for you?

Messi. I played him in pre-season and he was just unbelievable. He knocked one pass out of play, got jeered, so the next time he got the ball he nutmegged Marc Albrighton and got an assist!

            

@shyam1: Who is the most terrifying winger to mark? (doesn't have to be a player you've faced)

Riyad Mahrez, the toughest I've marked. He's just so tricky.

            

@benblackmore: You faced Mo Salah this season. What's it like to play against him? What makes him such a threat?

He's so direct, every time he gets the ball he wants to score goals, he's always looking to get shots away. He's so hungry to score goals.

             

@Floridaforlife: Who are your top 3 Premier League players right now?

Kevin De Bruyne, Jordan Henderson, Virgil van Dijk.

            

@papa_john: How would you describe what it is like when 'Jamie Vardy's having a party'? 

Fun character, he's always joking around, he's a fun guy to be around in general, he's always pulling pranks and stuff. At the weekend he turns and is a good person to have in the changing room! 

              

@soccerdude27: How fast is Jamie Vardy?

The fastest player at Leicester. Electric, over 10-15 metres his speed is a joke! 

             

@bmoscoso1516: Huge LCFC fan. Who has the best goal celebration in the squad?

Vardy. Backflips, he did a backflip at Everton last year—insane! Need work on me...

             

@StephMessi: Ballon d'Or or UCL?

Ballon d'Or, you've made it if you win the Ballon d'Or.

             

@jayengerman: What are the top 3 tips you'd give for a LB aspiring to make it to the top?

Work hard—make sure that you're putting it in when your training.

Practice your crossing.

Defensively solid 1 v 1.

            

Who are your favourite 5 left-backs?

Marcelo, favourite, Roberto Carlos, Jordi Alba, Ashley Cole, David Alaba.

             

@HahaOkCool: Most underrated player you've played against?

Marc Albrighton. He's so good, best trainer by far—all-round good professional, never has an off day just works hard

            

@jayvince: Is the Leicester project an exciting one under Brendan Rodgers?

Definitely, since he's come in he's brought an energy, not just to the players but to the whole club and an excitement to the whole club that the club is going in the right way. New training ground, things are going in the right way. It's all down to the manager. 

            

@Austinsports99: Which youngster will be the next Kante or Mahrez? Who do you have high hopes for?

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. CM, on loan at Blackpool, he's a great player 

            

@AFinkelstein6: What's your favourite thing to do off the field? Do you have a 2nd sport?

I used to be really good at cricket, I was an all-rounder. It was one or the other at 16 so I had to stop. I was better at cricket than I was at football but enjoyed football more. 

            

@tglenn89: Funniest thing you've ever heard screamed on the pitch?

Nothing that I can think of off the top of my head. Sometimes when the ball goes off the pitch, Vards and I find ourselves laughing at each other.

           

@Aid125: Who is the funniest player on the Leicester and England teams? Really big fan by the way

Andy King. He's such dry humour—quick responses. Don't slip up around him so then he can't tell anyone.

John Stones/Kyle Walker—Always pulling pranks, everyone gets on really well. Really good bunch.

             

@NoleFanForLife: What is the hardest stadium to play at in the Premier League?

Anfield, 100 per cent. So hostile, so loud, they give their team a boost and it's very hard to play against. They're great home fans. Can't hear anything when you're there, you're in your zone and can't hear what anyone is saying. 

            

@parkerrawlings: Who do you think is the best English player right now?

Jadon Sancho, in terms of talent. Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane have had great seasons though! 

            

@jakepeterson: Most memorable game you've played in?

Champions League quarter-final against Atletico Madrid. Still trying to make my way in the first team then and came on at half-time and had a really good second half. 

            

@YEPUNITED: Who's the one player you most want to shirt swap with?

Marcelo. Idolise him so much. Watched him growing up, watched his YouTube clips and El Clasico games. Technically so good and a very flairy full-back. 

            

@mmcrosh: What's the best part about representing England?

Playing for your country and winning games for your country. You work your whole life to play for your country, so when you play and win it's the best feeling. 

            

@JailBird: Who is the greatest English player of all time?

Wayne Rooney.

             

@stephmourra: What would you say is your go-to song before a match?

I'm on music before games. I play a playlist called rap-life on Apple Music—a boogie. 

           

@angelacoffey: What was it like not only competing in but also scoring in the 9-0 win at Southampton?

Craziest game I ever played in from minute one to minute 90, everything we ended up doing was a goal. The gaffer made us relentless that day. Double figures would never have been done, so it would have been even better. 

              

@tglenn89: Would you rather be able to outrun Adama Traore or never get megged for an entire year?

Outrun Adama Traore—because then you're the quickest footballer in the world! He's so fast so you can't get tight to him, but then he's so stupidly strong so you can't bully him either. 

                

@papa_john: What was it like playing with Rob Huth and captain Morgan? They seem like such old school defenders with amazing leadership

Pretty much that they were old school, no-nonsense defenders. They helped me a lot with defensive positioning and helped me a lot in my career.

            

@parlayNBA: You have one of the best left-footed crosses in Europe. Any suggestions on how to get the most whip on the ball?

Just practice your crosses. I stay out quite a lot and stay out two to three times a week.

             

@DumbDingus: Who was your idol growing up?

Ashley Cole for me because he was English and watched him a lot.

           

@dubs4life17: Who do you model your game after?

Ashley Cole, defensively very good but going forward he was class as well. 

           

@layshamblock: What advice do you have to young upcoming footballers wanting to make it big. What should they look for?

Working hard and natural ability only gets you so far, work hard and put it in every day. 

           

@Nakerman: Do you play video games? What's your favourite non-football game?

Call of Duty, play with my mates—six of us going into a domination and it's good fun. Never used to play but now in quarantine its good fun.

           

@tglenn89: What do you miss while being in quarantine?

Playing football! 

           

@StriplingWarrior: Describe yourself in one sentence

Pretty easy and chilled out guy. 

          

@haleyc789: What's your favourite game in training?

Small sided—five v five on a little pitch.

         

@dwightschrutey: What's been your favourite moment as a footballer?

England debut. Come from my hard work that I'd put in over the years, and for me, that meant a lot. 

          

@SeafoodGoat25: What do you prefer? Scoring a goal or a crunching tackle?

Scoring a goal.

          

@ohheck: How much are you missing Madders right now?

We're talking most days and he plays PlayStation as well. We use Zoom, but we're just not getting to see each other. 

We actually proper disliked each other when I was at Leicester and he was at Coventry. He thought I was arrogant, I thought he was arrogant! But when we were 15 and with the England under-21s we just realised how much we get on and have similar interests.

         

@AndrewMayer777: Who did you have winning the Champions League this year?

Bayern who I had this year.

           

@drewtangboiiiii: What's the best atmosphere you've ever had the pleasure of playing in?

Champions League game against Atletico was class!  

Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers has said "a few players" in his squad have shown symptoms of the coronavirus amid concerns regarding the spread of the illness.

Arsenal's Premier League game against Manchester City on Wednesday was postponed after the Gunners confirmed some of their players were in self-isolation, though no cases of COVID-19 were confirmed among their playing staff.

The Foxes chief said three of his players had been placed in isolation ahead of Sunday's Premier League fixture at Watford on Saturday, via Football Daily:

🗣This is about health, this is more than football"

Brendan Rodgers on the 3 Leicester City player who are self-isolating pic.twitter.com/B8AKj4kPhf

— Football Daily (@footballdaily) March 12, 2020

Rodgers told reporters: "We've had a few players that have shown symptoms and signs [of coronavirus]. We're following procedures, and [as a precaution] they're being kept away at the moment from the rest of the squad."

Leicester are currently third in the Premier League with nine games left to play. Rodgers' side are also due to host Chelsea in the FA Cup quarter-finals on March 21.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the coronavirus threat as a pandemic on Wednesday. The disease has resulted in more than 4,000 deaths worldwide, per Jamie Gumbrecht and Jacqueline Howard of CNN.

Sporting events across the globe have already been affected as part of measures to prevent COVID-19's spread. La Liga announced on Thursday that it was postponing the first tier of Spanish football for the next two matchdays. That followed Italy's decision to suspend all sports in an effort to quell the threat.

The UEFA Champions League matchup between Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday was played behind closed doors at the Parc des Princes.

Meanwhile, UEFA confirmed the Europa League last-16 matches between Sevilla and AS Roma and Inter Milan and Getafe had also been suspended.

The Giallorossi's official Twitter account confirmed on Wednesday the club were refused permission to land in Spain ahead of their first-leg meeting with Sevilla:

🔴Breaking news: #ASRoma will not travel to Spain for the @EuropaLeague match against @SevillaFC_ENG after the plane from Italy was not authorised to land in Spain. More details from UEFA soon. pic.twitter.com/vnVmJLkeRC

— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) March 11, 2020

Rodgers also confirmed on Thursday that right-back Ricardo Pereira has been ruled out for the season after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury, with midfielder James Maddison also sidelined:

Ricardo Pereira has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after suffering a ruptured ACL. James Maddison is also injured while Brendan Rodgers confirms that three unnamed players have self-isolated after showing symptoms of coronavirus. #LCFC

— Ben Dinnery (@BenDinnery) March 12, 2020

Wednesday's fixture between Manchester City and Arsenal is the only Premier League game so far that's been postponed or set to be played behind closed doors.

Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers has denied a report the Foxes have made an approach for Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana. 

Rodgers told reporters that his club have not made a move to sign the 31-year-old, who will be available on a free transfer at the end of the season.

"I've seen a lot of stuff around Adam and that we've approached Liverpool, which isn't the case. He's at the stage of his contract where he will have options.

"Adam is a fantastic player and one I brought into Liverpool. I have been aware of his talents since he was a young player at Southampton. 

"But I don't need to speak about that now. We've spoken about that all through January. I don't need to speak about the summer transfer window. I would only add he is a top-class player."

Lallana looks set to leave Anfield at the end of the season after five years there. The Reds are willing to let him depart for free with no contract talks scheduled, according to Mandeep Sanghera of BBC Sport.

The attacking midfielder moved to the Reds from Southampton in July 2014 after an impressive campaign with the Saints, as highlighted by Opta:

71 - Adam Lallana created 71 chances (incl. assists) during the 2013/14 Premier League; more than any other English player. Spark.

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) May 30, 2014

The midfielder enjoyed a bright start to his Liverpool career and was an important player in his first two seasons but has since been blighted by injuries and has fallen down the pecking order.

He has made just three Premier League starts this season, with his only goal coming in the 1-1 draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford in October:

Adam Lallana's first Premier League goal since May 2017...

What a time to get it! 😉 #MUNLIV pic.twitter.com/xoglgsjjUr

— GOAL (@goal) October 20, 2019

His availability at the end of the season has already alerted Premier League clubs Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United, according to Chris Bascombe at the Telegraph.

Serie A clubs AC Milan and Lazio have also been credited with interest in the former England international, according to Calciomercato (h/t Sean Lunt at Sport Witness).

Lallana has proved through his career that he's an intelligent player who can provide goals and assists from midfield. He will turn 32 in May but could be a shrewd acquisition on a free transfer provided he can put his injury problems behind him. 

Brendan Rodgers has said James Maddison could sign a new contract with Leicester City, and he expects the England international to stay with the Foxes.

According to James Dale of Sky Sports, Rodgers said discussions over a fresh deal are continuing with Maddison amid reports Manchester United want to sign the midfielder.

Rodgers stated the Foxes have no motivation to sell at present:

"There's no pressure to sell and no need to sell.

"James is a very talented player and he will be here in January and beyond.

"He's a player we're keen to remain here and help us on this journey over the next years. James and his representatives are speaking with the club and these things take time."

Leicester have been the Premier League's surprise package this season and are in second place behind Liverpool.

Maddison has been a key performer for Rodgers this term, triggering United to make a January move for the blossoming 23-year-old.

The Red Devils are missing a productive No. 10, with only Juan Mata a suitable choice after an injury crisis at Old Trafford.

United have reportedly been interested in Maddison since last summer, and an ankle injury for Paul Pogba has stifled Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's creative options, prompting the coach to explore the market.

Rodgers added he would like to expand his options during the January transfer window, with the club reportedly linked with Liverpool's Harry Wilson—who has impressed on loan at Bournemouth.

"We want to add to [the] squad if we can," Rodgers said. "It all comes down to availability. We've got a really strong squad and lots of them are young players evolving. We want to but if we can't we'll continue with the squad we've got and look to reinforce in the summer."

The Foxes are on an upward trajectory, but it could be difficult for Maddison to resist United if the Red Devils make a substantial offer.

Solskjaer needs to find answers regarding his side's lack of consistency, and Maddison has proved he has the talent to play for a bigger club.

Per Steve Bates of the Sunday Mirror, United could reportedly offer £45 million plus Jesse Lingard for Maddison, with United prepared to pay the player £150,000 per week to move to Manchester.

Leicester City host Aston Villa on Wednesday at the King Power Stadium in the first leg of their 2019-20 Carabao Cup semi-final.

Both clubs have enjoyed previous successes in the tournament, winning a combined eight titles.

The Foxes are strong favourites to book their spot in a sixth final.

Leicester have been hugely impressive under Brendan Rodgers this season and sit second in the Premier League, with Villa down in 17th following their promotion from the Championship last year.

                         

Date: Wednesday, January 8

Time: 8 p.m. GMT, 3 p.m. ET

Venue: King Power Stadium, Leicester, England

TV Info: Sky Sports Football (UK)

Live Stream: Sky Go (UK), ESPN+ (U.S.)

Match Odds (via Oddschecker): Leicester 4-11, Draw 17-4, Aston Villa 7-1 

                           

Leicester endured chastening defeats against Manchester City and Liverpool either side of Christmas, but they have bounced back impressively since with three consecutive victories.

Villa's form, meanwhile, has been variable of late, with head coach Dean Smith's side winning three but losing six of their last nine games in all competitions.

The key for Villa will be to ensure they are still in the tie come the end of Wednesday's first leg.

However, Rodgers' Leicester side can be devastating in attack.

They have netted 46 goals in 21 league games this term, the third most in the division, with nine of them coming in their record-breaking thrashing of Southampton:

NINE. pic.twitter.com/4TsRuyDbwz

— B/R Football (@brfootball) October 25, 2019

On December 8, Leicester visited Villa Park and came away with a 4-1 win.

The Birmingham-based outfit cannot afford to suffer a similar loss on Wednesday otherwise the tie will be all but over at the halfway point.

As such, Villa are likely to sit deep at the King Power in a bid to stifle the threat posed by Jamie Vardy, who should be back in action after missing Saturday's FA Cup win over Wigan Athletic:

Jamie Vardy (calf) will not be involved in the @EmiratesFACup tie against Wigan. The Leicester striker is expected to train as normal on Sunday, and should be fine for the @Carabao_Cup semi-final first leg with Aston Villa.

🚑 @PremierInjuries https://t.co/4KiAUTZjCa#LCFC

— Ben Dinnery (@BenDinnery) January 3, 2020

If the visitors can earn a draw in Leicester, or even limit any loss to just a one-goal margin, they will take confidence into the second leg that they can cause an upset and reach the final.

Villa's home form is decent this season. They have lost only four games in 12 in all competitions.

On the road, though, they have won just one of their last eight, so Leicester will be confident of taking a crucial lead from Wednesday's match. 

Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers has hinted he wants to sign "talented" Juventus defender Merih Demiral, but the Bianconeri have reportedly decided they won't sell the Turk in January.

Per MailOnline's Tom Collomosse and Simon Jones, Rodgers was asked about rumours Juventus have turned down a £25 million opening bid from the Foxes. He remained coy with his response: "We know what we want to do this window, and we'll try. We know we want to strengthen. At this stage of the season, all the rumours are there. He's a talented player. There is nothing to add."

Borussia Dortmund, Arsenal, Manchester City and Bayer Leverkusen are reportedly also looking at the Turkey international. Per Sky Italia (h/t Goal), Dortmund have also made an unsuccessful offer:

Leicester have had a bid in excess of £25.5 million for Juventus defender Merih Demiral rejected, according to Sky Italy 💰

Borussia Dortmund are also said to have failed with a £34 million offer ❌ pic.twitter.com/dMYHEAXjbH

— GOAL (@goal) January 4, 2020

Per Goal's Romeo Agresti, Demiral will not be allowed to leave in January:

#Juventus are ready to reject any potential offers for Merih #Demiral during this transfer window ❌🇹🇷@goal

— Romeo Agresti (@romeoagresti) January 5, 2020

The 21-year-old was one of three talented young defenders to join Juventus in the summer, with Matthijs de Ligt and Cristian Romero also making the switch. The latter was sent back on loan to Genoa, and De Ligt soon become a starter after Giorgio Chiellini went down with a serious injury.

Demiral has had to wait for his chance but finally made his second start in a UEFA Champions League clash with Bayer Leverkusen in December. He has started every match since, impressing greatly along the way.

While his great form has increased the transfer speculation, it has also seemingly strengthened Juventus' resolve to keep him.

Blogger Juvefc.com believes the club would be mad to sell at this stage:

Chiellini has a season at best left in him, Bonucci is 33 this year, Rugani is a backup, Romero isn't ready yet. Leaves us with Matthijs and Merih, both wanted by half the club's in Europe. There's a good reason they're both in demand but you can't put a price on our defence.

— JuveFC (@juvefcdotcom) January 3, 2020

With Chiellini's return still a question mark, depth is limited at the centre-back position. Leonardo Bonucci has been an automatic starter, and De Ligt, Demiral and Daniele Rugani are the only other natural centre-backs in the squad.

Demiral could still leave in January but will likely cost a massive fee for a player who has started just five matches in all club competitions this season. He's a big part of the team's long-term plans, with Chiellini (35) and Bonucci (32) getting up there in age.

Leicester's depth at the centre-back position took a major hit on Saturday, with both Filip Benkovic and Wes Morgan suffering injuries, per Jordan Blackwell of the Leicester Mercury. The former was making his full debut for the Foxes.

Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers has said the club will not sell any key player in the upcoming January window amid transfer rumours regarding a number of their stars. 

Midfielder James Maddison is reportedly a target for Manchester United, while defender Ben Chilwell is said to be a target for both Chelsea and Manchester City.

Rodgers was asked about the club possibly losing some players in January, but ahead of the clash with Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup on Saturday, he was adamant nobody would be moving on in the mid-season market, per Sky Sports.

"Nobody will leave here that we don't want to go," he said. "I think we've had a couple of enquiries in terms of loans and for some of our younger players. But the players that are always talked about and mentioned, there will be nobody going."

Leicester have enjoyed a remarkable Premier League campaign, as they sit in second place in the table, ahead of the likes of City and Chelsea.

On Wednesday, they produced another memorable performance, beating Newcastle United 3-0 away from home:

It's no surprise that a number of elite clubs are being mentioned as admirers when it comes to Leicester's star men, as the club have seen a number of players mature this term.

Maddison is in his second season at the King Power Stadium and has blossomed into one of the best midfielders in the division. His stunning goal at Newcastle took him to six goals in the top-flight campaign, as well as three assists. 

Per Match of the Day, the Leicester playmaker has been excellent when it comes to shooting from distance since arriving in the Premier League:

Since the start of last season, James Maddison has scored eight #PL goals from outside of the box...

More than any other player 🔥

That was some hit today! 🚀#MOTD pic.twitter.com/ERmbXWgukX

— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) January 1, 2020

The links to United make sense, as the Red Devils have been short of creativity in midfield with Paul Pogba injured for long spells this season. Bleacher Report's Rob Blanchette thinks United would need to push hard to prompt Leicester into a sale:

It's well known Maddison has been an #MUFC supporter his whole life. Old Trafford is his dream. If Woodward can offer him an enticing deal, he won't be staying at Leicester. They're not winning the PL anytime soon. Rodgers won't want to sell, so Woodward must be aggressive.

— Rob Blanchette (@_Rob_B) December 29, 2019

At the moment, it seems the likes of Maddison and Chilwell are in no rush to leave Leicester though, as they are blossoming under the guidance of Rodgers.

This season, the Foxes are the closest challengers to runaway leaders Liverpool and are on course to qualify for the UEFA Champions League next term. For a number of the young players in the squad, that would be a sensible next step in their careers.

Meanwhile, United are currently in fifth place and five points back of Chelsea in fourth. Although a move to Old Trafford would have lucrative benefits for someone like Maddison, at this stage the smartest footballing choice he could make would be to stay at Leicester.