Nedum Onuoha has waxed lyrical over James Maddison after the Leicester City midfielder scored at home to Southampton on Saturday, amid transfer interest at Newcastle United.
Nedum Onuoha in awe of Leicester star James Maddison amid Newcastle interest
James Maddison left Nedum Onuoha in awe on BBC Radio 5 Live, as the Newcastle United target put Leicester City ahead with a sublime free-kick against Southampton on Saturday. He broke the deadlock in the 54th-minute, but the Foxes did not hold on to win the game.
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The England international produced a moment of brilliance early in the second-half at the King Power Stadium. Maddison curled a delicate effort around the Southampton wall and into the bottom corner of Gavin Bazunu’s net, his second goal of the Premier League term.
Maddison had registered his first strike of the season last time out away to Arsenal to cut the Gunners’ advantage. But Leicester could not build on the 25-year-old’s strike in north London, and they again failed to use his exploits to their maximum potential this weekend.
Che Adams drew Southampton level in the East Midlands, just 14 minutes after Maddison had put Leicester in front. The striker made an impression off the bench, with James Justin unable to stop the ball creeping in on the line, before striking a brace to secure a 1-2 win.
James Maddison to assess his options before signing new Foxes contract
Maddison now boasts two goals and one assist after his first three appearances of the top-flight season, with Leicester so far able to resist interest from Newcastle in his transfer. The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards reports the Toon have submitted two offers worth up to £45m.
But Dharmesh Sheth reports the Foxes value the one-cap England maestro they signed off Norwich City for £24m in 2018 at £60m. Sky Sports also report Leicester have opened talks with Maddison over a new contract to fend off Newcastle, with his terms expiring in 2024.
Yet Maddison wants to assess all of his options before putting pen to paper on a new deal at the King Power. His position could offer Newcastle fresh hope of a successful swoop for a Leicester star who left Onuoha in awe after firing a free-kick beyond Bazunu on Saturday.
“Leicester on the front foot and got the reward,” Onuoha said. “James Maddison is so sneaky and has been playing well, its sheer class and the game needed that.”
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