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James Maddison is brushing off transfer tussle talk
James Maddison is reportedly attracting interest from Premier League heavyweights. Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd - Credit: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd
James Maddison will not have his head turned by a looming Premier League transfer battle, insists Daniel Farke.
Norwich City's highly-rated midfielder was touted with a mega-money £20m bid from long term admirers Tottenham on Tuesday, while Liverpool and Manchester City have also been linked with the England U21 ace this month.
The 21-year-old is set for another leading role in the Canaries' quest to knock Chelsea out of the FA Cup - and head coach Farke is confident that is his only focus despite fevered speculation around his future.
'There is no danger of him being distracted,' he said.
'His attitude is brilliant, all the speculation and rumours are not easy for young lads but he is so focused and really grown up in his mentality. It won't affect him.
'He knows sometimes the rumours and speculation are for the papers and perhaps not for reality. He is looking forward to the next big task, which is Chelsea and Sheffield.
'I get the feeling he is not scared.'
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Farke is more interested in bringing in reinforcements, after Cameron Jerome completed a reported £1.5m move to the Rams and Russell Martin sealed a loan switch to Rangers on a hectic Monday.
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Nelson Oliveira is the only recognised striker available for Wednesday's FA Cup third round replay at Chelsea, but Farke ruled out drafting prolific development frontman Tristan Abrahams into his Stamford Bridge squad.
'He is always in my thoughts, but we have several options,' he said.
'Nelson played a lot of games in the recent weeks. Josh Murphy can play this role. Marley Watkins can play this role. Tristan is always an option. I am really pleased with his development right now.
'Perhaps it is a little bit too early to bring him to this level and give him his first game at Stamford Bridge. That would not be the best place to start. He is not far away.
'We are watching and he is developing very well.
'It is fair to say we will be looking in the market. We have let Alex Pritchard go and Yanic Wildschut on loan so there is some space in the squad. We will search for how to improve our squad in the striker positions.'
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