PSV Eindhoven winger Noni Madueke admits he’s flattered by reports linking him with a move to Leeds United and Leicester City, speaking to ESPN.
Throughout an impressive breakthrough season, the overarching narrative has centred around the view Madueke’s decision to reject a new contract at Tottenham – in favour of a move to Rotterdam – has been justified.
The London-born 19-year-old had been in inspired form in the autumn, scoring a glut of eye-catching goals for a PSV side battling Ajax at the top of the Eredivisie table.
Madueke’s sparkling displays led to plenty of interest from elsewhere too, with the Daily Mail reporting Brendan Rodgers is keen to bring the £15 million-rated winger to Leicester after failing to sign him for Celtic.
Leeds, Crystal Palace, Borussia Dortmund and even Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich have also been linked (Standard).
Since then, however, things haven’t gone quite so swimmingly for Madueke. After missing six games through injury, the England U21 international has started just one league game since February.
“A player with ambition always wants to play more. Even if I’d played double the minutes I’ve played (so far), I’d still tell you I want to play more. That’s just how it is,” Madueke admits.
“With every young player that’s doing relatively well, you just want to be trusted with more minutes. I want to play more.”
When asked specifically about a potential move to Leicester or Dortmund, Madueke was reluctant to give too much away, although he did admit the speculation was a source of pride, a reflection of how much progress he has made at PSV.
“I’ve heard a few things. I don’t read up on rumours but it’s nice clubs appreciate your talents,” the teenager adds.
“Of course (I smile when I hear about the interest) because it’s nice for any player to hear other clubs want you. It shows you’re doing well and that you’ve got something to offer.
“It’s an honour to be named as the successor to Jadon Sancho. I’ve heard about it, yes, I’m not going to lie.
“Sancho is a great player.”
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