Newcastle United are planning to submit a fresh bid in January for Leicester City midfielder James Maddison, according to Football Insider.
The Lowdown: Previous bids
In surprise transfer news this summer, the Magpies had a £40m bid rejected by the Foxes for the attacking midfielder.
It was reported Leicester valued the 25-year-old at £60m, as he had nearly two years left on his contract at the King Power Stadium.
Eddie Howe’s side returned with a £50m bid, comprising of £45m plus £5m in add-ons, but this offer was swiftly turned down, with the east Midlands outfit holding out for their previous valuation.
The Latest: Newcastle back in for Maddison
According to a report by Football Insider, Newcastle are planning to make a new bid for Maddison in January, having failed to land him for £50m in the summer.
The Magpies believe with the midfielder’s contract having run down to its final 18 months, there is a chance the Foxes will cash-in on the player before his market value drops.
It is said Howe has given the green light for his recruitment staff to continue in their pursuit of the Englishman, with a line of communication already open with his representatives.
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The Verdict: Great signing
When looking at Maddison’s underlying stats, it is easy to see why the Magpies boss would want to bring the £110k-per-week man to St. James’ Park in January.
As per FBRef, compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, the playmaker ranks in the 93rd percentile for non-penalty goals, in the 90th percentile for shots total and in the 86th percentile for assists.
Hailed as ‘superb’ by broadcaster Gary Lineker, the playmaker has earned statistical comparisons to the likes of Roma’s Paulo Dybala and Juventus’ Angel Di Maria.
Therefore, it is obvious Maddison’s arrival at Newcastle would be a brilliant signing for the north-east club.