Leicester confirm £24m signing of Norwich star James Maddison after beating Southampton to deal
Foxes swoop to land rising England Under-21 star with fellow midfielder Riyad Mahrez increasingly linked with move away to Manchester City
LEICESTER City have confirmed the signing of Norwich City midfielder James Maddison for a fee of £24m.
The England Under-21 international completed his medical on Monday before putting pen to paper on a five-year deal at the King Power Stadium.
The 21-year-old scored 15 goals in 49 games for Championship outfit Norwich last season and is widely viewed as one of the most promising players outside of the top division.
Southampton and Everton had been linked with the former Coventry City attacker who joined the Canaries in 2016.
Leicester were also said to be interested in Aston Villa's Jack Grealish but Maddison was always their first choice.
He becomes Claude Puel’s third signing this summer following the arrival of defenders Ricardo Pereira and Jonny Evans.
Speaking to LCFC TV, Maddison said: "I’m delighted. I’m really happy to be here. I had a good chat with the manager about football and how he wants me to play, how he likes to play and I was sold.
";We talked about the type of player I am, how I’m going to fit into his style of play and everything sounded really promising. I haven’t looked back since that phone call.
"Leicester just seems like the right fit for me. I’ve got a good feel about the Club and I can’t ignore that, in my head and my heart. I felt like this was the right place for me to be, so I’m delighted and can’t wait to get started.”
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His capture provides attacking midfield cover if Riyad Mahrez ends up moving to Manchester City – although the two clubs are currently haggling over an agreed transfer fee.
Leicester finished last season ninth in the Premier League, with a number of their remaining title winners from 2016 expected to start moving on.
Puel added: "James is a wonderful player who is one of the most exciting young talents in English football.
"He made a big contribution to Norwich City last season and I’m delighted that he has decided to make the step up to the Premier League with Leicester City Football Club."