Newcastle United face £60m James Maddison hijack from ‘Liverpool’ – pundit
Noel Whelan has warned Newcastle United they could be gazumped in the chase for James Maddison if they wait until next summer to secure his signature.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal, Man United, and Tottenham could all enter the race for the 26-year-old.
Sources told this site on Friday (9 December) that Leicester City have slapped a £60million price tag on Maddison in an attempt to fend off Newcastle.
It is understood that Tottenham are also keeping tabs on the midfielder’s situation.
The one-time England international is out of contract at the King Power Stadium in the summer of 2024.
Maddison has already notched seven goals and four assists in 13 appearances this term but was not used by Gareth Southgate at the World Cup in Qatar.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “Waiting until the summer opens the doors for the likes of Liverpool and Tottenham.
“Sometimes the only way to ensure a player comes to your club is to pay the money and beat the big boys.
“I can see Man United, Liverpool, and Arsenal all being interested in Maddison in six months’ time.
“It’s a really difficult decision Newcastle will have to make.
“If they really want him, which it seems like they do, they might have to pay the money in January before these other sides get involved.
“He’s someone they’ve coveted for a long, long time.”
In other news, pundit claims Newcastle United could sanction £70m Moises Caicedo bid after journalist’s update.