Newcastle United’s pursuit of James Maddison appears to be at a standstill.
The Magpies have had two bids rejected by Leicester, as they attempt to bring the midfielder to St James’ Park. The first bid was worth £40million, and the second was £50million.
However, both have been turned down. It’s been claimed that the Foxes want £60million for the 25-year-old.
That’s a lot more than Newcastle want to pay, and perhaps more than they can pay as they look to be careful with their spending this summer.
Now it’s up to Eddie Howe and co to decide whether or not they make a third bid for Maddison. But, as it stands, that doesn’t appear to have happened.
The latest on Maddison to Newcastle
The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards has appeared on BBC Sport’s Transfer Gossip Daily podcast, and given some insight on where Leicester currently stand over a deal.
They are facing up to the prospect of losing one of their star players, with Chelsea also pursuing Wesley Fofana. Brendan Rodgers needs to sell to buy, leading to Newcastle and Chelsea eyeing Maddison and Fofana respectively.
And Edwards has commented on what he’s currently hearing about Maddison heading to Tyneside.
“Maddison to Newcastle United has obviously been talked about as well,” he said.
“As far as I can tell, the updates I’ve had is that there’s been no further developments in the James Maddison pursuit.
“Leicester haven’t even really engaged with Newcastle over it. Again, the impression Newcastle were given is that James Maddison wants to leave. And until we hear from James Maddison, or he’s going to say that publicly or the club are going to say he’s handed in a transfer request, we don’t know that.
“But there is a lot of intrigue around Leicester. Obviously you’ve got Chelsea circling, looming over Fofana, and you’ve got Newcastle over James Maddison. I suspect they will lose one of them, it’s just which one.”
Chelsea could scupper Newcastle’s Maddison bid
Leicester will almost certainly lose one of their star player this summer. But if they sell one, they probably won’t have to sell another.
And it looks like Chelsea are pursuing Fofana more aggressively than we are with Maddison. It’s been claimed that Thomas Tuchel’s side have offered £60million for the defender, but the Foxes have said no.
The new Chelsea owner is really trying to make a splash this summer, so an improved offer feels likely. In contrast, Newcastle are having to be a bit more conservative.
They must have some encouragement that Maddison wants to make the move, otherwise they wouldn’t bother targeting him. But money could end up being the issue.
Chelsea’s pursuit of Fofana complicates matters further, and could be what truly scuppers our bid to land Maddison.