Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers addressed James Maddison’s transfer future after Newcastle United beat his team on Boxing Day.
What’s the latest Newcastle United transfer news?
The England international has frequently been tipped as a transfer target in January following a succession of rejected bids over the course of the summer.
Maddison has been in fine fettle this season, scoring seven goals and laying on a further four assists in 13 Premier League appearances. Only under contract at the King Power Stadium until the summer of 2024, Leicester are going to have a decision to make should he not pen fresh terms.
Left on the bench as a result of an injury picked up during the World Cup as Newcastle beat Rodgers’ side on Boxing Day, the Foxes boss shared the latest on his future.
What did Rodgers say about Maddison?
Speaking in his press conference after the game, Rodgers said (via Craig Hope): “When you have good players they will always be linked with other clubs. I just need him available for us.”
Are Newcastle going to sign Maddison in January?
That would appear hugely unlikely at this stage.
Indeed, both The Athletic and The Daily Telegraph have hinted at the upcoming transfer window being a rather understated one, with the focus on being significantly strengthening the squad in the summer.
While it’s hard to suggest Newcastle don’t need a player of Maddison’s quality and perhaps a deal should be done if the right terms present themselves, Alexander Isak and Allan Saint-Maximin are yet to enjoy a consistent run of games alongside Callum Wilson and Miguel Almiron, so perhaps they can cover short-term.
With Leicester holding firm in the summer, it’s difficult to see them changing their stance mid-season.
