Manchester United's pursuit of James Maddison is set to take more twists and turns amid reports that Leicester could tie their star man down to a new deal in order to increase his value.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has long been an admirer of the 22-year-old as the United boss plans a rebuild of a depleted squad over the next 12 months. Maddison has been identified as a player that fits the ball for the Norwegian.

According to The Athletic's David Ornstein, club chiefs at the King Power Stadium are said to be keen to tie the midfielder down to a new deal in order to protect the value of an asset garnering increased attention by multiple clubs.

Leicester are looking to extend James Maddison's contract to increase his transfer value

Manchester United have been heavily linked with a move for the 22-year-old midfielder

Manchester United may be rivalled by Premier League foes Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur to obtain the signature of the Englishmen. League champions Manchester City, however, aren't interested in signing the player.

Mixed signals are coming out of both camps regarding the future of the Leicester man. Some believe Maddison will be a United player by next summer, while others feel Leicester will let their player go at some point during his extended deal.

Solskjaer has striven to bring in more players that fit what he views as the 'United mould'. Summer signings Harry Maguire, Dan James and Aaron Wan-Bissaka have all been earmarked as players to build the future team around, with the characteristics of young, hungry and British being demanded by Solskjaer.

United could face competition from Liverpool and Spurs for Maddison's signature though

Maddison is said to be happy and gets on well with his team-mates and Brendan Rodgers

However, should Spurs and Liverpool join the race for Maddison, United may face a struggle to land their man. The draw of Champions League football, which will certainly be offered by the latter club, may be decisive in where the Englishman plays next.

Maddison is said to be happy at Leicester and gets on well with his team-mates and manager Brendan Rodgers.

United will hope their previous good working relationship with Leicester can give them an advantage in signing Maddison. Chief Executive Ed Woodward struck a deal with the east Midlands club in the summer for defender Harry Maguire and will go back again for the midfielder.