Newcastle are trying to sign James Maddison this summer, meaning Leicester will need a replacement if they let him go.
The Magpies have already had a £40million bid rejected, but have returned with a second offer. It is reportedly worth in excess of £45million.
Whether Leicester agree to it remains to be seen, but the Telegraph believe that Maddison is keen on the move.
That could influence the Foxes’ decision, as they wrestle with the possibility of losing one of their top players.
They need to sell to buy this summer, and will need to purchase a replacement if Maddison heads to the North East. And reports in France suggest they have identified one.
Leicester want Aouar as Maddison replacement
According to Foot Mercato, Leicester will move for Lyon midfielder and Bruno Guimaraes’ former teammate Houssem Aouar if Maddison joins Newcastle. They state that he is seen as a priority by the Foxes.
Aouar has been linked with a move away from Lyon this summer. He was actually someone we mentioned as a cheaper alternative to Lucas Paqueta that Newcastle should consider.
If reports of Leicester already eyeing a replacement for Maddison are true then it surely suggests they are very worried about losing the midfielder.
This sounds like a positive development for Newcastle, but it means nothing until an offer for the England international is accepted.
It will be a huge transfer if Dan Ashworth can pull this off – the biggest since his appointment as Sporting Director. In fact, it would be the biggest deal ever done by the Magpies.
A club record transfer for Maddison would be a huge statement of intent going into the new season. He severely enhances our attacking options, whilst also weakening a potential top half rival.
Newcastle are putting their cards on the table to sign Maddison. Meanwhile Leicester are making moves to replace him if reports in France are to be believed.