Newcastle to continue their pursuit of James Maddison

Newcastle United are prepared to continue negotiations with Leicester City over a potential deal for James Maddison, according to The Daily Mail.

Eddie Howe’s men have already had an initial offer for Maddison rejected last week and while they are not prepared to meet Leicester’s asking price, the Magpies are hopeful of reaching a compromise with the Foxes before the transfer window shuts.

Maddison, who still has two years left on his current deal at the King Power Stadium, racked up an impressive 30 direct goal contributions in 53 games across all competitions for Leicester last time out where he deservingly picked up the club’s Player of the Season award.

In a fresh blow for Newcastle, Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers stated on Sunday that the offer received for Maddison ‘might just cover three-quarters of his left leg’ while speaking after his side’s 1-0 win over La Liga outfit Sevilla in their final pre-season friendly.

“He [Maddison] is still very much a player here,” Rodgers told Leicester Mercury,

“Naturally, the players are sought after because they are talents.

“You see his performance, you see how happy he is and he’s not a player we want to sell.

“It’s not for me to put valuations on the players, it’s not my side, but that might just cover three-quarters of his left leg, that price.

“He’s a top player.”

Having already made three defensive acquisitions this summer in Nick Pope, Matt Targett and Sven Botman, Newcastle are looking to strengthen their options at the top end of the pitch ahead of the upcoming campaign after a move for Hugo Ekitike failed to materialise.

As their pursuit of Maddison continues to prove difficult, Newcastle have also reportedly had a €40million bid for Jack Harrison knocked back with Leeds United holding out for €7m extra to part ways with the winger.