Leicester City are set to demand a fee close to £60 million for James Maddison, with Newcastle United following the England international.
According to Sky Sports’ Dharmesh Sheth, Leicester City could demand as much as £60 million for star attacking midfielder James Maddison amid heavy interest from Newcastle United.
James Maddison has been a regular name in the rumour mill in recent transfer windows, as he continues to attract interest from Premier League clubs. The Leicester City star was linked with a move to Arsenal last summer before the Gunners ended their pursuit after signing Martin Odegaard permanently.
Having made several other acquisitions in the attacking midfield role, notably the transfer of Fabio Vieira, the Gunners are unlikely to contend again for Maddison. However, Newcastle United have registered an interest and saw a bid worth £40 million rejected by Leicester in the last few days.
Without explicitly suggesting Maddison is not for sale, Leicester City could be open to letting the midfielder depart for the right price. However, they have seemingly stuck to their guns from last summer, as they could demand a fee closer to £60 million from interested parties.
Leicester City have rejected a £40m bid from Newcastle United for James Maddison. Newcastle deciding whether to go back in with an improved offer. Leicester valuation thought to be closer to £60m. #Maddison #NUFC #LCFC
— Dharmesh Sheth (@skysports_sheth) July 30, 2022
Newcastle United are deliberating whether to return with an improved offer as the Magpies are interested in bringing the England international to St James Park. He would likely become the centre of Eddie Howe’s project and will be a statement of intent from the club ahead of the new season.
The Magpies have been looking for attacking reinforcements without much success. They have baulked at some of the asking prices for reported top targets, although spending big money on someone like Maddison could be on the agenda.
Meanwhile, the Magpies are not alone in pursuing the Leicester star, as Tottenham are also considering a move for the midfielder. As things stand, the Foxes star has not suggested he wishes to depart this summer, although it is understood he could be open to a move.
Whether Newcastle United come back with an improved offer remains to be seen. Although looking at their spending patterns in this window, it is unlikely they would meet with the £60 million valuation.
