SAINTS are reported to be vying with former manager Claude Puel in a battle to sign Norwich City’s James Maddison.

Puel’s Leicester City are reported to have matched a Saints bid of around £24m for the attacking midfielder.

Leicester hope Coventry-born Maddison’s midlands links ensure they get the England U21 star.

Saints boss Mark Hughes is also reported to be facing competition from Everton for Maddison’s signature.

Maddison scored 15 goals in 49 games last season, including a hat-trick at Hull City, as well as providing 11 assists for the Championship outfit.

He began his career with Coventry after coming through the academy system at his hometown club, before being loaned back to the Sky Blues after signing for Norwich two-and-a-half years ago.

Last season was his first full season at Norwich after a loan spell at Aberdeen during the first half of the 2016/17 season.