Jamie Carragher explains why Man City did not attempt to sign Tottenham Hotspur's James Maddison

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher believes Tottenham Hotspur midfielder James Maddison did not sign for Manchester City in the summer because his role is not popular with Pep Guardiola.

Following Leicester City's relegation from the Premier League, Maddison was destined to leave the club after being a rare bright spark for the Foxes. After speculation surrounding his next move, the attacking midfielder eventually signed with Spurs for £40m.

The Blues were on the lookout for midfielders in the summer after the departures of Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez. There were also rumours suggesting the 26-year-old could move to Manchester but a deal was not forthcoming.

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In his latest column for The Telegraph, Carragher believes he knows the reason why. He wrote: "His throwback style extends to his on-field role.

"With the utmost respect to Maddison and Spurs, it explains why his options during the summer did not include Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool. I have no doubt all watched him for Leicester and at some point over the last three years considered signing him. The reason they said no is because Maddison’s most effective position is unfashionable for elite coaches."

Maddison has settled in well at the North London club and will be happy with the decision he made in the summer. Under Ange Postecoglou's leadership, the attacking midfielder has scored two goals and grabbed four assists in just seven competitions in all competitions.

Spurs sit fourth in the Premier League ahead of this weekend's action, four points behind City who lead the way with a 100 per cent record.

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