Newcastle United came close to signing Leicester City midfielder James Maddison in the summer transfer window.
That is according to CBS reporter Ben Jacobs who has informed GIVEMESPORT that Newcastle were prepared to pay a fee which was around £10m lower than the Foxes’ valuation.
What’s the word?
The reporter does not anticipate those failed summer negotiations to be the end of the road in the saga, though, with the Toon expected to “reignite” their interest in the 25-year-old.
Jacobs does not rule out the possibility of the Tyneside outfit paying above valuation for “a player with huge potential.”
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, he said: “The valuation was, as I understand it, 10 or 15 million under Leicester’s at the point when they made the bid last window, but they’re one to watch still to see if they reignite that interest and are prepared to pay above valuation for a player with huge potential.”
Toon to try again for “talisman”
Maddison had an absolute stormer of a campaign for Leicester in the 2021/22 Premier League, helping himself to a whopping 20 attacking returns in the form of 12 goals and eight assists.
Ahead of the fast-approaching World Cup, the 25-year-old has taken that form into the new season and currently sits on six goals and two assists from 11 games, a stellar return for a Foxes side who are in the relegation zone.
Maddison’s push to make the England squad for the tournament in Qatar cannot be ignored, with his consistency in the Premier League, along with his current form and his status as a “talisman” for Brendan Rodgers (according to The Athletic’s Rob Tanner) indicating that his valuation will likely have increased.
Whilst you’d have to respect Newcastle’s intentions of seeking astute, value-for-money deals, on this occasion the Magpies may be forced to shell out the extra money for a highly-rated £110k-per-week English talent if they are to acquire his services.
You can imagine that Maddison would thrive under Howe’s watch, in a similar way to how he has at the King Power Stadium under Rodgers, in a move which could prove entirely prosperous for both parties in the long term if it comes off.
However, it’s hard to imagine Leicester parting ways with their star playmaker mid-season amidst their struggles in the league, so Newcastle may have to wait this one out until next summer.
