Graeme Souness thinks James Maddison will cost Newcastle more than £100m

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Newcastle United are reportedly interested in signing James Maddison this summer, but he may cost a club record fee.

That is according to Sky Sports pundit Graeme Souness, who thinks that the Leicester midfielder is worth more than £100million.

Maddison has been heavily linked with a move to St James’ Park for months now. He was a target during the summer transfer window, with Dan Ashworth having two bids rejected.

There was then interest in January, but a deal failed to come to fruition. That is despite the fact it was reported ahead of the January transfer window that he was the Magpies’ top target.

It has since been claimed by the Northern Echo that Newcastle will try to sign Maddison for the third transfer window in a row at the end of the season. However, Souness thinks he will cost an absolute fortune.

Graeme Souness thinks James Maddison is worth ‘over £100million’

The former Newcastle manager spoke about Maddison’s valuation on Sky Sports Main Event on Sunday afternoon.

“Over £100million for him,” Souness said.

“Chelsea spent £110million on Fernandez. You’re buying potential with him, whereas Maddison is a great now player.”

No chance Maddison will cost that much

There is no denying Maddison’s ability. He is a top class Premier League playmaker, and his numbers this season are incredible. Despite playing in a struggling Leicester side, the 26-year-old has nine goals and five assists in 17 league appearances.

However, there is absolutely no chance that he is going to cost £100million. Even Leicester don’t think he is worth that amount, as they valued him at £60million last summer.

He may even be worth less at the end of the current season, as he will be entering the final 12 months of his contract at the King Power Stadium. Leicester are currently trying to rectify that by offering him a new deal.

Souness’ reasoning doesn’t really make sense either. His comparison to Enzo Fernandez is strange. The Argentinian is already a great player, and has the potential to get even better. And he is much younger. That is why he was able to command such a mammoth fee.

In contrast, Maddison is older and has a contract that is winding down, nor does he have the prestige of calling himself a World Cup winner.

It will cost Newcastle a lot of money if they are to sign Maddison this summer, but there is absolutely no chance that it will be an nine-figure fee.