Newcastle United told £70m James Maddison bid will be accepted after source’s update – pundit
Paul Robinson has claimed Newcastle United would likely have to pay £70million to sign Leicester City midfielder James Maddison in the January transfer window.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Spurs and England number one said the Foxes will demand “a premium” for the 26-year-old given his important to their side.
Maddison has been one of the standout players in the Premier League this season despite Leicester’s poor form.
Sources have told Football Insider (30 December) that Maddison and Christian Pulisic are on the Magpies shopping list this month.
Eddie Howe’s side failed in their pursuit of Maddison in the summer window.
When asked by Football Insider if the attacking midfielder’s price tag may have dropped given that he only has 18 months left on his deal, Robinson said: “Leicester will not be lowering their value from £70million.
“They cannot afford to sell him. The last thing [Brendan] Rodgers wants is to lose Maddison. He will fight tooth and nail to keep him there until the end of the season.
“I know his contract is nearing its end but he is simply too important to Leicester for them to sell him on the cheap. I think they would really struggle in the second half of the season if they sold him.
“That’s why I think it will be a difficult deal for Newcastle to do. If they are going to get him they are going to have to pay a premium. That is why I think he will cost them around £70million.”
In other news, a finance guru has claimed Newcastle United are on track to pocket ‘£50m’ windfall with more to come.