Brendan Rodgers: There will be no one leaving in January

Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers has sent a powerful message ahead of the January transfer window.

James Maddison, Ben Chilwell and Caglar Soyuncu are all being linked with one or the other ‘Big Six’ club – Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea in particular.

Amid growing fears that one of them could indeed leave, Rodgers has come out with perhaps the most definitive set of words you’ll get to hear from him.

Speaking ahead of the Premier League fixture against Norwich City, he confirmed that there won’t be any departure in the winter – not one.

"“There’ll be no-one leaving in January. Categorically,” he said.“I’m sure if we speak (to the hierarchy), they will have the same message.“I speak regularly with Jon and Top. It’s very clear we want to speak this squad together. We want to ensure they stay around beyond January.”"

This is what you want to see from the manager: an air of assurance and a clear-cut message to anyone who wants to come shop at the King Power Stadium.

Maddison and Chilwell seem the most likely to be on their way out, and like anyone else in that Leicester squad, it is needless to say that their departure will have a huge impact.

United’s interest in Maddison isn’t a result of his performances this season. The Red Devils have been after him since his Norwich City days. Similarly, Chilwell has had a special place in the Blues’ hearts – specially Frank Lampard.

Usually, if the interest is long-standing, then the longer it drags on without the manager/club openly addressing it, the more you risk losing the player.

Knowing the big clubs, they will not be bothered by any statements anyway but it does help the overall atmosphere and prevents any unrest among the faithful from affecting the players.