Brendan Rodgers has already admitted Leicester City need to sell players before they can strengthen their squad this summer amid rumours linking James Maddison with a move to Newcastle United.
What’s the latest Newcastle United transfer news?
On Saturday, The Daily Telegraph revealed Newcastle had seen a bid of around £40m rejected for the 25-year-old, although the player is believed to be open to the idea of a move to St James’ Park.
With only two years left on his contract at the King Power Stadium, Leicester have a decision to make. Unless the one-cap England international signs a new deal, Maddison’s value will surely only drop from here.
The Foxes are understood to be optimistic they can tie the midfielder down to a new contract, although it has been a difficult summer for Rodgers.
After a poor campaign last time out, Leicester have so far been unable to sign players this summer and Rodgers has even admitted there will need to be sales in order to strengthen.
What has Rodgers said about Leicester’s transfer business?
Speaking earlier this month, Rodgers said (via the Leicester Mercury): “Clearly, we have to do some business out before we can get players in. We just are not in the same position as some of the other clubs. Until that changes, I keep working with the players we have. We try to maximise their abilities and if the club can do something in the market to help the team, we would want that.
“(Selling players) is two-way. Other clubs have to want the players. But it’s also very important that we can’t get too hung up on that.
“Of course I want to improve the squad, I want to develop the squad, I said that midway through last year, but if it’s difficult financially, I really respect the club, so I don’t go to war with them.
“It’s unfortunate. We have to do some work and if we can do that, then hopefully we can affect the squad because if we are going to compete anywhere near where we have been, then we need to be able to do that. If not, then it’s a different expectation.”
Would Maddison be a good signing for Newcastle?
Having scored 12 goals and registered 8 assists in 35 Premier League games last season, Maddison looks an upgrade on Newcastle’s creative current options as things stand.
According to FBREF data, the Leicester star ranks within the leading 88% at least of attacking midfielders/wingers playing in Europe’s major five leagues over the past year for non-penalty goals (0.43), shots (2.8) and assists (0.33) per game. Those kind of numbers certainly are impressive, particularly for a team looking to strengthen in attack.
Operating in a deeper midfield role last season, Maddison is also capable of playing out wide on the right, offering a number of different options across the frontline.
If Newcastle can get him, Maddison would be a brilliant addition.
