Brendan Rodgers: Leicester boss rules out selling stars in January

Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers has “categorically” ruled out selling any of the club’s top players in the January transfer window.

James Maddison and Ben Chilwell have both been linked with a move away from Leicester, who sit second in the Premier League after an impressive start to the season under Rodgers.

“There will be no one leaving in January. Categorically,” said Rodgers.

Asked if that message had been passed down by the club’s hierarchy, he added: “No. But I’m sure if we speak that will be the case as well.

“I speak regularly with John Rudkin [director of football] and Top [Leicester owner] but I haven’t spoken to them today on that.

“It’s pretty clear we want to keep this squad together, it’s a very exciting team with a lot of growth and development in it. So we want to make sure that they stay around and beyond January.”

Sky Sports News reported this week that Leicester have made initial contact with Maddison and Caglar Soyuncu over extending and improving their contracts. Soyuncu is a target for Manchester City.

Asked about the negotiations, Rodgers said: “I can’t tell you anything about that.

“There’s been bits of speculation about that. I think John Rudkin [director of football] has had some conversations with the representatives. But that’s as far as where it’s at. So there’s nothing really to update.

“I think for some of the players we will wait until after January, but for others that can happen at any stage in the season. If there is anything to be announced that will come later on through the club.

“It is the nature of the game, when you’re doing well there will always be speculation. James Maddison and a one or two of the other boys they understand that.

“But long may it continue. He’s been absolutely brilliant, started the season really well – very efficient, very productive – and getting better.

“It’s sometimes what happens when you’re doing so well. He’s a very bright young player and he’s got a big future.”

How to follow the January transfer window

Sky Sports will bring you the very latest news from the January transfer market with the return of three shows.

Start your day with Good Morning Transfers at 9am as our team of reporters bring you the latest news and insight. Transfer Talk then follows at midday delivering analysis of the biggest stories. Then join us at 7pm for the definitive round-up of the day’s news with The Transfer Show.

Meanwhile, the Transfer Talk podcast will also be back at the turn of the year with more expert analysis from here and across the continent.

And as well as tuning into Sky Sports News, don’t miss a thing with our dedicated Transfer Centre blog.

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