TalkSPORT pundit Danny Murphy believes James Maddison doesn’t possess the work rate to play for a team like Manchester City.
The Leicester City playmaker has been linked on and off with a move to the Etihad over the past six months, with some claiming he may be a target if Bernardo Silva leaves the treble winners this summer. However, Murphy says the two players are like chalk and cheese in terms of how hard they work off the ball:
“Bernardo Silva is someone who has these wonderful technical attributes, who can beat players, play great passes, score great goals but you never question his tenacity to win balls back, to press, to run back, hence the fact he played in a central midfield position and they still won the league…”
“Can he [Maddison] raise his game to have all those qualities… Mane is a good example. Great qualities going forward but never, ever worry about him doing the physical work and pressing. Can Maddison do that? I’ve not seen it yet. I hope he surprises me. But if I was the top, top teams – that’s why we are talking about Tottenham and Newcastle – because they are not Man City and Liverpool.”
It’s hard to see City making a bid for Maddison
For the reasons that Murphy mentions, it would be a big surprise if the Premier League champions did step up their interest and make a formal approach for the England international. There is also the fact that Leicester are holding out for £50m despite the player having a year left on his contract at the King Power Stadium.
At the moment, Maddison is being priced out of a move. As Murphy mentions, Tottenham and Newcastle are reportedly favourites for his signature, while Chelsea have also been credited with an interest.
From City’s perspective, it looks as if they will be focusing their efforts on recruiting West Ham captain Declan Rice. A bid is expected to be tabled soon, although no official offer has been submitted yet.
