Ally McCoist has claimed that Newcastle United possibly signing James Maddison from Leicester City for around £50 million could be a ‘steal’ given that Jack Grealish was sold for £100 million last summer, as he told talkSPORT.
The Scotland legend added that Maddison possibly swapping Leicester’s colours for Newcastle United wouldn’t be a ‘backward step’ for the player.
Last summer, Aston Villa sold captain Grealish to Manchester City for £100 million, a British record transfer, and now one of his best mates could be on the move.
Newcastle have put Leicester’s attacking midfielder on the top of their transfer wishlist – but, at this moment in time, their latest offer of £50 million has been turned down.
When McCoist was talking about Maddison’s future and Newcastle’s interest, he compared the fees being mentioned to that of Grealish’s.
“We are talking about an incredible amount of money here,” said McCoist. “You look at Jack Grealish going for £100 million. Maddison would be a steal at £50 million.
“I can’t those words are coming out of my mouth. I would (value) Maddison at £65-70m. Where I disagree, with Darren Bent, then I wouldn’t have it down as a backward step if he went to Newcastle.
“is there any real intent from Leicester? Has Brendan been allowed to say ‘alright, here’s what I am going to do. These are my plans. We are going to bring in one or two’. I haven’t seen that at Leicester.
“That’s one thing that will happen at Newcastle. There is no doubt about that.”
HOW MUCH IS MADDISON WORTH?
It wouldn’t be a surprise if this transfer saga drags on until very late in the window because it seems as though Newcastle are determined to sign their man.
Of course, the Foxes don’t want him to go, especially given that they are yet to sign a single senior player this summer.
But how much money would possibly tempt those at the King Power to accept and allow Maddison to leave? Grealish went for £100 million last summer, but that was because he had a clause in his contract.
The Magpies aren’t that daft to put that sort of money on the table for Maddison, but if they go beyond £60 million, then things could become very interesting.
Either way, with the new Premier League season around the corner, Maddison is concentrating on doing his talking in Leicester colours, for now.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
