Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers has been forced to reiterate to clubs hoping to prise away James Maddison that the playmaker is not for sale.
Maddison, who cost the Foxes £22.5million when he moved to the King Power Stadium from Norwich in the summer of 2018, continues to be linked heavily with a move to Manchester United, a club he has long supported.
The 23-year-old has been a revelation this season, scoring nine goals and playing a major role in helping Jamie Vardy become the Premier League's leading goalscorer with 17.
A composed Rodgers recognises tongues will continue to wag over Maddison, but he said: "It is difficult, every time we have a press conference, to come up with various ways to say 'No, he is not for sale!'
"James is very much a big part of our plan here. Having worked with him for a period of time, I've seen lots of rumours and gossip around his potential transfer from here.
↔️ James Maddison to Man Utd?
— Sporting Life Football (@SportingLifeFC) January 10, 2020
🗣️ No chance according to @LCFC boss Brendan Rodgers..#MUFC #LCFC #transfernewspic.twitter.com/b7DcnEPOFl
"But the boy is so focused on his game and his improvement. I think his performances will tell you that."
Rodgers is adamant the continual speculation surrounding the midfielder is like water off a duck's back as far as Maddison is concerned.
"It doesn't affect him in any way," insisted Rodgers, who has confirmed Maddison has passed tests on a knock sustained in the midweek Carabao Cup semi-final draw with Aston Villa and will face Southampton at the King Power Stadium on Saturday.
"Of course, it is flattering for any player when people deem you are playing well enough.
"He is a kid who is very focused on improving his game and in training every day he works very hard and takes that into the game.
"I have no concern whatsoever (about the speculation affecting him)."
