Leicester City ‘might be tempted’ to sell James Maddison in January should he be selected to go to the World Cup, according to CBS journalist Ben Jacobs.

The Lowdown: Summer of interest

Premier League sides Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United were both credited with a strong interest in the midfielder over the summer, with the latter even placing two bids, though the Foxes made it clear that he wasn’t for sale.

However, the 25-year-old will be entering the final 18 months of his contract at the turn of the New Year, meaning an exit could be on the horizon should he not sign a new deal.

The Latest: Jacobs’ exit claim

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jacobs claimed that Leicester could consider letting Maddison leave during the upcoming window, should his value sky-rocket if chosen to represent England next month.

"January is going to be tough for anybody, but the caveat to that is if he does go to the World Cup and impresses, then value rises, and Leicester might be tempted but also so might suitors if they see him really shine on the international stage.

"But I think at the moment, we start with the premise that he either won't play often at the World Cup or might not even go."

The Verdict: Keep hold of him

Maddison would undoubtedly be the subject of even more attention if he was to have a successful tournament in Qatar, but it’s vital that Brendan Rodgers keeps him at the King Power.

The Coventry-born talent has made 85 goal contributions during his time with the Foxes (51 goals and 34 assists), with eight of those coming in just ten league appearances this season.

The midfield maestro is a star player in the Midlands, and they should only contemplate selling him should an absolutely massive offer come in.