Newcastle United have reportedly been told to pay £60 million to bring Leicester City playmaker James Maddison to St. James’ Park in the January transfer window.
Leicester City are ready to sell James Maddison in January. That’s according to a report from Football Insider, which claims that Leicester City have slapped a £60 million price tag on the England international’s proverbial head in a bid to ward off interest from long-term admirers Newcastle United.
While Newcastle were expected to become a major power in European football when their Saudi-backed takeover was completed last year, their rapid rise under Eddie Howe has been phenomenal, to say the least, and much earlier than planned.
Indeed, the Magpies are sitting third in the league, with their only defeat this season coming at Anfield thanks to a controversial 98th-minute winner. They have been outstanding while playing high-intensity, fast-paced, entertaining football. And Howe will be determined to keep the Tynesiders’ pursuit for European football rolling.
Signings in January will be required if they are planning to remain in the top four and earn qualification for the Champions League, and the club hierarchy will provide Howe with sufficient funds to make a few canny acquisitions, despite some circulating reports suggesting otherwise.
90min recently reported that the Toon are “working hard” on laying the groundwork for winter acquisitions, with long-term target James Maddison at the top of their wishlist.
The England international has been the Magpies’ priority target since last summer when they had two back-to-back bids knocked back worth around the £40-45 million mark.
The Magpies remain keen to sign Maddison in January, but Howe is cognizant of the fact that Financial Fair Play regulations could complicate things, having spent in excess of £58 million on the blockbuster signing of Alexander Isak.
The 26-year-old enjoyed a phenomenal individual season last term, registering 30 goal involvements across all boards. The Englishman has also had a stellar start to the season, registering seven goals and four assists, despite the Foxes’ recent struggles.
His impressive campaign has led to an England call-up by Gareth Southgate, although he has yet to feature for the Three Lions at the Qatar World Cup.
While Newcastle have been touted with reigniting their efforts to sign Maddison, they might as well baulk at the lofty price tag put up by Leicester. Eddie Howe’s side have acted smartly in the transfer market and have backed out of paying exorbitant fees.
They can wait until the summer when the East Midlands outfit may be more willing to do business given Maddison’s contract will have only one year left on his deal by then.
Whether Newcastle United decides to break the trend set by the new owners and cough up a staggering £60 million to acquire the service of their top transfer target sooner rather than later in January remains to be seen.
