Leicester City intend to hold formal talks with James Maddison for a new contract, but the midfielder wants to assess all of his options first following interest from Newcastle United.
Newcastle target James Maddison to assess all options before new Leicester deal
According to Sky Sports, James Maddison will assess options away from Leicester City before agreeing to sign a new contract, having earned interest from Newcastle United this summer. His agent has held initial talks over new terms, but has not advanced discussions.
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The Foxes approached Maddison’s agent to sound out any interest in extending his terms at the King Power Stadium. Club chiefs now wish to further discussions in a formal capacity to avoid the England international progressing further into the final two years of his terms.
Newcastle had explored Eddie Howe’s interest in taking Maddison to St James’ Park earlier in the window, having made Leicester two bids. But the Foxes are reluctant to lose the 25-year-old, who has started the Premier League term with a goal and an assist in two games.
Maddison, though, will take his time to come to a decision over his long-term future at the King Power. The one-cap England playmaker believes that the next deal he signs will be the biggest step of his career. He last extended his terms in 2020 after two years with the club.
Foxes offended by Toon approaches for ‘super talent’ this summer
Reports by The Telegraph also add Leicester began discussions with Maddison’s agent over a new contract before Newcastle advanced their interest. Any new deal would see him net a pay rise from his current £100k-a-week wage, having been subject to bids of up to £45m.
The Foxes baulked at the Magpies’ proposals, though, having found them to be ‘verging on the offensive’, per Sky Sports. Leicester also believe Maddison – who they signed for £24m off Norwich City back in 2018 – is now worth at least £60m, according to Dharmesh Sheth.
Maddison has returned Leicester’s investment with 46 goals and 33 assists over 173 games across all competitions. He offered 12 goals and eight assists during his 35 Premier League outings last term, marking his best top-flight campaign for goals scored and created so far.
A sprightly start to the new season also followed Danny Murphy heaping further praise on Maddison. “He’s a super talent,” the talkSPORT pundit said. “The only question mark over James Maddison is his application, and sometimes his attitude, but his talent is up there.
“He should have played more times for England, he should be more in the reckoning. He’s the only dark horse that I can see getting in the England squad if he can start the season like he finished the last one.”
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