As reported by The Daily Mail, Southampton have made their move for West Ham United target James Maddison, after his excellent season in the English Championship with Norwich City.

What's the story?

The paper say that Saints lead Leicester City in the chase for the 21-year-old, with West Ham United one of a number of clubs who also hold an interest in bringing him to the English Premier League in 2018/19.

He is valued at around £20m according to the report.

Can Manuel Pellegrini and the decision makers at the London Stadium ensure that he doesn't end up making a switch to one of their top-flight rivals?

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Is he worth the fuss?

Few players in the English Championship had a better 2017/18 season and, alongside the likes of recently promoted Ryan Sessegnon, Maddison has emerged as one of the stand-out young prospects  in the second-tier.

He scored 14 goals and created 8 assists from attacking midfield in league action, demonstrating that despite being just 21 years of age, he can perform to a high standard on a consistent basis.

A potential future England international, currently part of the nation's U21 set-up, he's a talent that could prove to be a bargain in years to come at the reported £20m fee.

The Hammers are crying out for more creative impact in the final third next season, to complement the likes of Marko Arnautovic in Pellegrini's new look first team. Bringing a young English talent to the club to fulfil that role could prove to be inspired and they should be going all out to ensure that Southampton don't beat them to Maddison's signature.

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