Journalist says Newcastle have been told they can get midfielder for less than £60m

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Speaking on the Talking Transfers Podcast, Graeme Bailey has shared what he knows about James Maddison and Newcastle’s interest in the midfielder.

It’s been widely reported that the Magpies have had two bids rejected for the Foxes star, but according to Bailey a move would be very difficult.

The journalist is led to believe that Leicester will not consider any offers of less than £60m for the England international, but he also states that Newcastle have been told he could leave for less than that figure.

It’s fair to say there are some mixed messages going on here, but Bailey says he can’t see this deal happening.

What’s been said?

Bailey shared what he knows about Maddison.

“Leicester, from sources close to their camp are saying that they won’t even consider an approach at less than £60m. Someone is telling Newcastle they can get him out for less than £60m, but I don’t think they can,” Bailey said.

“If it gets to that level, we know Newcastle, they pulled out of the Moussa Diaby move because he was that price and he was less wages. Maddison is already on good wages, so to bring him to Newcastle you’d have to make him the highest paid player at the club. This move doesn’t fit into what Newcastle have been doing this summer.”

Steep

£60m is a lot of money for James Maddison, and as Bailey says, it’s hard to see the Magpies going for this deal at that price.

The Tyneside club may be the richest on the planet, but they’re not frivolous spenders.

Every single transfer that has been made by United since the takeover has been relatively decent value, and at £60m, it’s fair to say that the club would be slightly overpaying for Maddison.

Don’t hold your breath waiting for Maddison to arrive at St James’ Park.