Manchester United chiefs reportedly decided not to pursue the signing of the season – because he is too similar to Bruno Fernandes.
A new report says that James Maddison was an initial target for United but a deal was not pursued because of how he would fit in next to their Portuguese skipper. The 26-year-old went on to join Tottenham – and hasn't looked back.
The former Leicester man has managed three goals and five assists across 10 matches to fire Spurs top of the table with Fernandes managing two of each with United in eighth place.
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The Manchester Evening News report that senior officials at the club reckoned Maddison was 'too identical' to Fernandes which made put them off trying to sign him from Leicester.
The report adds that the club felt as though both Maddison and Declan Rice were 'attainable' before their respective moves to opposite sides of north London where their impressive performances have continued.
Maddison cost Spurs a fee in the region of £40million following Leicester's relegation to the second-tier.
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New boss Ange Postecoglou has overseen eight wins from 10 matches for a new Premier League record, with Maddison playing a huge part.
He said on Sky Sports last week: "He was already a fantastic player but I think the way we play really suits him.
"I've said before that the move came at a good time of his life he's matured as a person as you get older and go through different experiences and I think it was a great fit for him."
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Meanwhile, Roy Keane said of Fernandes, 29, on Sky Sports after the 3-0 loss to Manchester City: "Today having watched him again I would take the captaincy off him 100 per cent.
"I know it's a big decision, obviously they changed the captaincy with Harry Maguire, but Fernandes is not captain material."
He added: "It really isn't acceptable. From what we saw today, I'm thinking I would take that off him."
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