By Noel Whelan

4th Feb, 2023 | 11:00am

Man City tipped for cut-price James Maddison swoop as senior exit ready - pundit

Noel Whelan has insisted Man City replacing Bernardo Silva with a cut-price move for James Maddison would be “good business”.

The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the 26-year-old could go to a “new level” by playing with the Premier League champions.

According to the Daily Mail (31 January), Man City are plotting a summer move for Maddison with other Premier League clubs also circling the England international.

It is claimed that Leicester City are “increasingly unlikely” to be able to hold onto the midfield star with his contract set to expire in June 2024.

Maddison has managed seven goals and four assists in 16 appearances this season – but recently missed six games with a knee injury.

The likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain have been linked with Silva in past transfer windows – with the Portugal international out of contract at the Etihad Stadium in June 2025.

Whelan told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I think if you’re going to let someone like Bernardo Silva go, you have to match that creativity.

“James Maddison certainly does that.

“Silva is someone you can sell on for a lot of money, whereas you could get Maddison relatively cheap because of the contract. In my eyes that would be good business.

“I think Maddison would be a great replacement. Playing for Man City would enhance his game, as well – I think he’d go to a new level.”

In other news, pundit claims Man City star could crumble amid new Pep Guardiola dig.