According to journalist Ben Jacobs, the fact that Newcastle United have made a second bid for Leicester City star James Maddison shows the club have been given the confidence they can get the deal done.
So far this summer Newcastle have managed to bolster their defence with the signing of Sven Botman and are now looking to add some more quality in their midfield after submitting a second bid for Maddison.
While their first bid was rejected and the Foxes announced they want to keep their star, Jacobs believes the fact they have made a second bid indicates the Tyneside club can sign the player and Maddison may even want the move himself.
Jacobs told Steve Wraith, “I think Leicester will hold out for closer to £60 million than £50 million. But the good news when you make a second bid is actually just by implication, it is encouraged by both parties. So that’s not to suggest as strongly that Leicester wants to sell, and let’s not forget that Brendan Rodgers is there on record as saying Newcastle’s first offer of around £40 million, basically only covered about three-quarters of James Maddison’s left leg.
“So that tells you that the manager doesn’t want to let Maddison go. He was left as player of the season. He had a career-best season in terms of goals plus assists put together. So, it’s understandable that publicly Leicester, through their manager, will be saying that they really don’t want to get rid of the player.
“But when you make a first bid, and it’s rejected out of hand, and then you come back with a second bid, somewhere in that process, even if it’s just verbal conversations, there’s obviously been confidence given to Newcastle that the player is open to the move and that Leicester might sell for the right price.
“And there is a difference in wording between Maddison and Fofana. So, with Maddison it’s a joking comment that Leicester don’t really want to sell and that the price is too low with Fofana, it’s not for sale, end off”. (3:40)
TIF Thoughts on Maddison to Newcastle…
While the magpies have already made a couple of important signings like Botman, Bruno Guimaraes, and Kieran Trippier, bringing in a player like Maddison would be a huge statement of intent in their pursuit to become a Premier League giant.
The attacking midfielder has played for England and has proven himself to be one of the best English talents in the Premier League after picking up his best goal and assist combined tally last season.
Maddison grabbed 18 goals and 12 assists in all competitions for the Foxes and considering their current poor form in the transfer window and their poor 21/22 campaign, it is not surprising he would be open to a move.
The Toon would be a great place for Maddison, and as Jacobs said, it is unlikely the club would move for a second improved bid after the first rejection if there was no indication they could sign him this summer. Keep your eyes on this saga.
Will Newcastle sign Maddison?YesNo |
Mr Jacobs is letting his anti-Leicester bias cloud his judgement. The figure of £60m is a media invention. Leicester do not want to sell Maddison. I know no transfer business is a problem for journalists but really they should try to stick to the truth at least some of the time.