Newcastle United have been dealt a massive blow in their pursuit of Leicester City midfielder James Maddison as Brendan Rodgers feels they should keep hold of their prized possession in January.
As relayed by the Daily Mail, Newcastle United could have a major heartbreak as Brendan Rodgers insisted Leicester City will do all the needful to retain James Maddison at the King Power Stadium.
Newcastle’s recent takeover by their mega-rich owners prompted them to peek into Premier League’s some of the most talented players and their persistence to snatch Maddison is a result of that.
The Foxes rebuffed a couple of offers from the Magpies in the summer as the 26-year-old managed to stay at Leicester. The attacking midfielder helped his side to climb up the table after a harrowing start this campaign and his exceptional form also earned him a place in England’s World Cup squad.
With the Premier League back again, Maddison needs to continue his hot streak as he has been Leicester’s shining light in this inspirational run. Newcastle will intensify their effort as Eddie Howe’s priority is to bring in a creative player as they will step up to maintain their dream run on English soil.
Brendan Rodgers knows Maddison’s current contractual obligation but the former Liverpool manager reaffirmed his intention to keep the player at the club.
“I’ve been given no indication that we have to do anything with James in January.
“He’s someone I want to keep here.
“Newcastle have signed players who have improved the dynamic of the team. They’re trying to build something there, they’ll improve and get better. I’m sure they’ll strengthen their squad, and they’ll have the motivation to stay in the top four.”
Maddison is yet to commit to his long-term future with the club and his current precarious situation could complicate Leicester’s position. He will enter the last year of his contract next summer and the Foxes will lose their negotiation power to some extent if they continue to ignore outside offers.
It remains to be seen how they perform this time as it could have a major implication in Maddison’s decision.
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Newcastle are not yet in a position to just take LCFC players. Newcastle are years behind Leicester off of the pitch – their training facilities are stone age compared to those at Leicester. Rodgers is also the better manager – what has Howe won as a player/manager apart from a promotion from the Championship. Would Howe be a better coach to develop players than Rodgers ? (NO) If Newcastle want to attract any of the world’s top talent in the future, they will need a manager with pedigree (Conte, Klopp, Tuchel, Guardiola et al) Eddie Howe will not present the same image, pulling power of those mentioned. Howe’s shelf life at Newcastle is limited – the likes of Maddison or Tielemans are better off at Leicester at the current time (unless money is the main motivator)