Newcastle are ‘hopeful’ they can sign 26-year-old for around £40million

Add as preferred source on Google

Newcastle United are trying to sign James Maddison for the third transfer window in a row, and have a better chance than ever.

He emerged as a target last summer, with Dan Ashworth making two bids for the Leicester City superstar. However, they were both rejected with the Foxes wanting around £60million.

That was too much for Newcastle, who were once again linked with signing him in January. However, the speculation was less intense and Maddison saw out the season at the King Power Stadium.

Unfortunately for him, it ended in disappointment. Leicester were relegated from the Premier League, meaning they will be playing Championship football next season.

That should signal Maddison’s departure, as he is far too good to be playing in the second tier. The fact his contract expires in 2024 also means that Leicester must cash in now.

It has been reported that the Foxes will let Maddison go for around £50million, although he might not actually be worth that much. A separate report has claimed that his transfer value has decreased to around £40million.

That is good news for Newcastle, who are keen to finally sign the man they have been chasing for 12 months.

How much James Maddison might cost Newcastle

According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Newcastle are hoping they can get Maddison for less than £50million. He has spoke to Give Me Sport about the midfielder’s future, and how much he might cost this summer.

“Newcastle did actually place a formal bid for Maddison, as I say, in the ballpark of about £40million,” he said.

“So, if they move and that interest remains concrete, they’ll be hoping for something very similar. There may be another suitor in Spurs, the new manager and the sporting director will obviously influence that situation.

“But if there’s more than one bidder, Leicester might be able to get a little bit more money, but I think that all suitors will be hopeful because of Leicester’s situation and because it’s now a year on of landing Maddison for under £50million.”

It will depend on other interest

Ideally for Leicester, multiple clubs will be trying to sign Maddison. That will help them get as much money as possible.

Tottenham have been linked with a move, but that might change following the appointment of Ange Postecoglu, who was confirmed as the new Spurs manager on Tuesday.

Newcastle will hope that they are the only club that is serious about signing Maddison, as it will give them the best chance of signing him for closer to £40million.

But anything less than £50million will surely be considered reasonable considering his immense talent. Maddison could be a gamechanger for Newcastle, and has proven as much this season. He has been sensational in a struggling Leicester side – just imagine what he could do under Eddie Howe’s guidance!

As always, Newcastle want to get the best deal possible for them and will not overpay. That means getting Maddison for less than £50million.