Newcastle United are reportedly going to try once more to sign James Maddison when the transfer window reopens.
That is according to the Northern Echo, who state that the Magpies are planning to make a fresh move for the Leicester City star at the end of the season.
The report states that Newcastle are not giving up in their bid to sign the 26-year-old, despite failing with moves in the previous two transfer windows.
Maddison was a major target during the summer, with Dan Ashworth making two bids for the attacking midfielder. However, they were both rejected by Leicester, who wanted a fee of £60million.
The Magpies shelved their interest until January, and the Northern Echo state that fresh inquiries over a move to St James’ Park were made.
But they led to nothing, and Maddison ended the January transfer window as a Leicester player. Speculation over his future refuses to go away, however, and it looks like he could be the subject of interest once again when the current campaign ends.
Newcastle to face competition from Manchester City for James Maddison
The Northern Echo add that Eddie Howe has a new competitor for Maddison. They state that Premier League champions Manchester City want to sign him, and have placed him near the top of their wanted list.
That could create a problem for Newcastle. However, the situation at Man City is very unclear right now following news that the Premier League have charged them with breaking financial rules.
Whether or not that has an impact on their ability to spend money this summer remains to be seen. It could be an interesting subplot in Newcastle’s bid to sign Maddison at the third time of asking.
The ‘extraordinary‘ England international is someone who Ashworth and Howe both reportedly admire, while he was Newcastle’s top target heading into January.
Now it looks like a summer move could be on the horizon for a player who will be going into the final 12 months of his Leicester contract at the end of the season. That could make a transfer more likely, as the Foxes will be tempted to cash in if Maddison shows no willingness to sign an extension.
He would a brilliant signing for Newcastle, and could give us that creative edge that we are currently missing in midfield. It was apparent on Saturday when we struggled to breakdown West Ham, and they are not the only team we have had issues against.
Maddison has the x-factor that Howe is looking for, and has proven this season that he can be a difference maker in the final third. He has got eight goals and four assists so far this season, with his most recent strike coming in Saturday’s 4-2 win over Aston Villa.