Sources: Newcastle open preliminary James Maddison talks
Newcastle United have opened talks with Leicester City playmaker James Maddison over a summer move, sources have told Football Insider.
The Magpies have been long-term admirers of the 26-year-old midfielder and have made him a key target for the club to sign this summer.
It is understood that preliminary talks have been held between Newcastle and Leicester via third parties about a potential transfer.
However, Newcastle are set to face competition from Tottenham to sign Maddison this summer, with the North London club also eager to strike a deal.
Football Insider sources revealed last Thursday (4 May) that Tottenham are making a ‘huge’ push to sign Maddison for £60million this summer.
Eddie Howe is eager to add more creativity and midfield depth to his side and views Maddison as an ideal profile to fit that role.
The England international has scored 10 goals and assisted nine times for Leicester across all competitions in 2022/23, but the Foxes still find themselves battling relegation at the foot of the Premier League.
Leicester currently sit 18th in the league table, two points behind Everton with three games remaining in the season.
The threat of relegation is growing at the King Power Stadium, but it is understood that Maddison is ready to leave Leicester in the summer regardless of whether they survive the drop or not.
Maddison has spent five years at Leicester after joining them on a permanent deal from Norwich in 2018 and he made his 200th appearance for the club on Monday (8 May) in the 5-3 loss to Fulham.
In other news, Newcastle United handed £265m ‘advantage’ as summer spree begins