By Fraser Fletcher, Transfer Correspondent

25th Feb, 2023 | 9:56am

Sources: Newcastle United handed major boost in bid to sign James Maddison after talks

Newcastle United have been handed a boost in the race to sign James Maddison this summer, sources have told Football Insider.

It is understood that Maddison is “ready” to quit Leicester City in the summer.

Sources have told this site that the Foxes still want to keep hold of the 26-year-old and have stepped up their efforts in an attempt to tie him down to a new contract by maintaining discussions with his camp.

But Leicester won’t hesitate to cash in if they can’t make any progress in negotiations.

The midfielder is still a major target for the Magpies heading into the summer window.

Maddison is set to be the target of big transfer interest in the summer and is now said be “ready” for a move away from the King Power Stadium.

He joined the Foxes in a £24million move from Norwich back in 2018, putting pen to paper on a five-year deal.

Back in 2020, the midfielder signed an extension which keeps him at the club until 2024, but this site has learned Maddison is keen to quit in the summer.

On Tuesday (21 February), sources told Football Insider that a fee of between £60-70million may be enough to prise the England international away from Leicester at the end of the season.

Maddison is still a major target for the Magpies, despite interest from Premier League rivals including Tottenham and Man City who are all able to spend big on transfer fees and potential wage demands.

It is believed that the midfielder is keen on playing at the highest level possible and the draw of Champions League football next season could be a big factor in his decision.

Spurs and Newcastle are battling it out for fourth place in the Premier League and just one point separates the sides, the Magpies advantaged by a game in hand.

In other news, according to sources, Newcastle United set sights on signing Wolves star with 27 starts this season.