Newcastle United will “keep tabs” on James Maddison in January if a move to St James’ Park doesn’t develop this summer.
That is according to journalist Pete O’Rourke, who was speaking to This is Futbol about the latest news on the Magpies’ transfer window.
Eddie Howe’s side have made just three signings this season, but reports have emerged that the club would like to add Maddison to their squad before the summer transfer window closes.
Leicester are understood to have rejected Newcastle’s latest bid for the 25-year-old, which was believed to be worth just over £40m, according to Sky Sports.
The same report suggests that Brendan Rodgers’ side value the one-time England international at a figure closer to £60m, suggesting that the Tyneside club would have to greatly improve on their offers so far to sign the attacking midfielder.
And O’Rourke believes that Newcastle will keep tabs on Maddison’s situation at the King Power Stadium in January if they don’t sign him in this window, though there is also a chance that Leicester City would offer the former Norwich City man a new contract if he doesn’t leave before the end of the window.
He said: “I’m thinking Newcastle will obviously keep tabs on James Maddison’s situation to see where it stands.
“But I’m sure, as I said, Leicester will be determined to keep hold of him, and I’m sure maybe even look at possibly offering him a new contract if he does end up staying at the club this summer.”
TIF Thoughts on O’Rourke’s comments…
We believe that Newcastle fans will have mixed feelings about O’Rourke’s comments, as we think they will be happy that the club won’t give up on Maddison if they can’t get a deal over the line this summer, but also concerned at the possibility of the attacking midfielder staying at Leicester long-term if he were to sign a new deal – while, of course, he may also move elsewhere.
The Coventry-born midfielder has been a fantastic addition for Leicester since signing from Norwich in June 2018 for a fee believed to be around £20m, scoring 45 goals and providing 32 assists in 171 Foxes appearances, according to Transfermarkt.
Therefore, we believe that Maddison would be a superb addition to Howe’s side this summer and Newcastle should move quickly to secure his signature if they can.