Brendan Rodgers admits Leicester City can do no more to convince James Maddison to sign a new contract amid continued links with a move to Newcastle United.
What’s the latest Newcastle United transfer news?
The England international is expected to become a target once more at the end of the season after Newcastle saw a number of bids rejected last summer.
By that point, Maddison will have only a year to run on his contract at the King Power Stadium and the Foxes will surely have to entertain the idea of a sale in order to bring something approaching maximum value.
The fact the midfielder has allowed his contractual situation to get to this stage hardly speaks to a long-term commitment to his current club. Of course, there is no guarantee Newcastle will sign Maddison – who Manchester City are also said to want – but him having just 12 months left on his deal is certainly a better position for a buying club to be in than last summer.
What has Brendan Rodgers said about James Maddison?
Speaking after his team’s thumping 4-1 defeat of Tottenham, Rodgers said (via the Leicester Mercury): “No, [there’s nothing more Leicester can do to convince him]. I think he knows how much he’s loved and the impact he’s had here.
“It’s just going to be about him and where he sees the next steps of his career. That’s nothing against the club or against anyone, he’s probably a player that wants to play at the very highest level and he’s showing he can do that.
How likely is it Newcastle sign Maddison?
Newcastle have certainly proven willing to wait when it comes to landing their top targets before.
The club tried to sign both Sven Botman and Anthony Gordon in the windows before they actually arrived, which underlines just how well thought-out the recruitment process is at the moment.
Given the fact Newcastle will also more than likely have European football (in at least some capacity) to offer him this summer, there is surely a much better chance they sign Maddison this time around should he not sign an extension.
