"If there's a valuation met which the club perceives the player to be worth then there will be a discussion," says Brendan Rodgers
Thursday 19 September 2019 15:54, UK
Leicester City would consider an offer for James Maddison if it met their valuation - but the club do not want to sell, says manager Brendan Rodgers.
Maddison, 22, created more chances than any other Premier League player last season and was called up to the senior England squad for their most recent qualifiers against Bulgaria and Kosovo this month.
The midfielder's performances have made him a reported target for Manchester United, who bought Harry Maguire from Leicester for £80m in the summer.
"In a player's career, there will always be that temptation," Rodgers said, when asked about Maddison's future. "But this is a club that doesn't want to sell their best players.
"Of course, if there's a valuation met which the club perceives the player to be worth then there will be a discussion.
"It's not something we want to invite. James is a talented player for us.
"He's still got lots of improvements to make as a young player and he, along with a number of other young players, we want to keep here.
"I'm a realist, as well. I understand how the market works, but it's not something we'd be looking to entertain."
Jamie Vardy is another Leicester player who has attracted interest from the Premier League's top six in the past.
But Rodgers has no plans to let the 32-year-old striker leave.
Vardy has scored three goals in five Premier League games this season and is looking to hit double-figures for the fifth consecutive season.
"He has so much to his game," said Rodgers. "That hunger, appetite and ability to score.
"I've worked closely with Jamie for a while now and there aren't many players I'd swap him for. He's up there with the very elite strikers."
Leicester host Tottenham on Saturday, as they look to bounce back from their 1-0 defeat at Manchester United last weekend.
Rodgers has praised his opposite number, Mauricio Pochettino, despite a shaky start to Spurs' season.
He said: "[Mauricio Pochettino] is a very talented coach and I think he's done a brilliant job there. What he has done at the club is exceptional.
"Tottenham have their strengths, but we'll try and impose on them in our own way."
