Newcastle United are reportedly preparing an improved bid to sign James Maddison, who is intrigued by the prospect of joining the Magpies.
According to CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs, Newcastle United have made England international James Maddison their priority attacking target for the summer. The Magpies are set to continue negotiations with Leicester City over a potential deal for the 25-year-old and plan to launch an improved bid for the midfielder.
The 25-year-old joined Leicester City in 2018 and has since made 171 appearances for the East Midlands outfit, directly contributing to 77 goals (45 goals, 32 assists). Despite his struggles with injuries and inconsistency in the last couple of seasons, Maddison still has a strong claim to be Leicester City’s standout performer.
That importance was crystal clear last season, where the England international netted 12 goals and provided eight assists in the English top-flight alone while adding ten more direct contributions across all competitions. It was Maddison’s most productive season in terms of goals scored, as he hit double figures in the Premier League for the first time.
Needless to say, his performances have piqued the interest of several top-flight clubs, including Newcastle United. Leicester have already rejected the Toon’s opening offer of around £40 million for the attacking midfielder. The Foxes are desperate to keep hold of their key man and will be reluctant to sell him to a direct Premier League rival.
Hence, they have slapped a £60 million price tag on Maddison and are simultaneously planning to offer him a bumper new deal in the hope of convincing him to prolong his stay at the King Power Stadium. But Leicester could still face a fight to hang on to Maddison, who has only two years left on his current contract and would be open to move to St. James’ Park if a deal is struck between both clubs.
Newcastle’s hierarchy believes there is scope for negotiation due to Leicester’s situation in the market this summer and are said to be putting together an improved bid to tempt the Foxes to reconsider their stance. Leicester have yet to make their first summer signing, and they need to sell players before bringing in fresh faces to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations.
If Newcastle carve out a deal here, Maddison would represent a statement signing this summer. They would be getting their hands on a versatile, top-quality midfielder who is exceptionally sharp and efficient in the attacking third.
At the same time, Newcastle would be weakening a rival for the European spots next season by snatching their chief creator. That said, the Tyneside outfit still have a lot of ground to make up in this one, with the two Premier League clubs close to £20 million apart in the 25-year-old England international’s valuation.
