Manchester United 'want James Maddison to fill playmaker role'

Manchester United reportedly view Leicester City attacker James Maddison as their leading transfer target in the number 10 position.

Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has largely selected a 4-2-3-1 formation this season but has struggled to fill the central position behind the lone forward.

Jesse Lingard, Andreas Pereira and Juan Mata have all failed to impress in that area of the field, with the trio contributing just one Premier League goal between them.

According to the Evening Standard, Maddison, who has been strongly linked with a switch to Old Trafford, is viewed by United as the perfect player to fill the playmaking spot in the side.

The 20-time English champions are allegedly prepared to spend as much as £80m on the England international, although a bid is not expected to be submitted until next summer's transfer window.

Solskjaer's side also continue to be linked with Red Bull Salzburg striker Erling Braut Haaland, although Juventus could scupper their hopes of signing the 19-year-old.