Manchester United 'confident of signing James Maddison'

Manchester United are reportedly becoming increasingly confident of signing Leicester City's James Maddison.

The 22-year-old has been strongly linked with a move to Old Trafford in recent months, with the attacker fitting the profile in terms of the club's new focus in the transfer market.

Maddison starred in the Premier League last season following a switch from Norwich City, while he has managed three goals and two assists in nine appearances for the Foxes in the early stages of the 2019-20 campaign.

According to the Manchester Evening News, despite interest from the likes of Liverpool, United 'are optimistic' of bringing the Englishman to Old Trafford in 2020.

The report claims that Maddison's tight bond with Harry Maguire could play a key role in the deal, although the Red Devils are likely to have to come up with another huge fee in order to convince Leicester to sell.

Maddison, who has a contract at the King Power Stadium until 2023, could fill the number 10 spot in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's XI, which is a position where the likes of Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata have struggled this term.

The player was due to feature for England over the recent international break but ultimately pulled out of Gareth Southgate's squad due to illness.