Newcastle United have seen a reported opening offer for James Maddison turned down - months after Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers predicted the Magpies would target 'quality' signings this summer. The Daily Telegraph claim the Foxes have rejected a £40 million bid for the England international who has entered the final two years of his contract at the King Power Stadium.
Newcastle have neither confirmed or denied speculation over an approach for Maddison, with Eddie Howe refusing to comment on transfer targets following Friday's pre-season win against Atalanta. Reports since have suggested Leicester could hold out for £60m for the former Norwich City playmaker.
The Foxes provide a stellar example on how to invest wisely and compete for silverware, with Howe labelling the 2016 Premier League champions and 2021 FA Cup winners as a 'great club to look at' when it comes to investment. However, Rodgers' side endured a difficult season last time out and only finished three points clear of Newcastle.
READ MORE: Newcastle United chiefs working overtime on transfers as Leicester demand £60m for James Maddison
Leicester still managed to secure an eighth-placed finish as well as reaching the Europa Conference League semi-finals despite substantial injury problems throughout the campaign. However, it has been a disappointing summer for Rodgers so far with no senior signings made and a number of stars tipped to depart.
The former Celtic and Liverpool boss previously spoke of the increased 'challenge' the Foxes will face in the new season, and namechecked the Magpies alongside Aston Villa as likely rivals. Speaking in May, Rodgers insisted Newcastle would target 'quality' additions and add to the competition in the top-half of the table.
The Foxes boss told the Leicester Mercury: “The challenge here becomes even greater next season. There will be a number of clubs who will spend. There will be the so-called top six clubs plus others who we know will invest. It’s going to be a big challenge.
“I certainly see Aston Villa as one of those teams. They have made it clear with the money they have spent since coming back to the Premier League, bringing Steven [Gerrard] in and supporting him with the players who have come in. It’s very clear that’s what they want to do.
“It’s all to do with investment. Newcastle will invest heavily in the summer to bring in a number of quality players so they are, of course, going to be challenging."
Maddison enjoyed the best season of his career to date and was named Leicester's player of the season following a fan vote. The 25-year-old registered 18 goals and 12 assists in all competitions, and scored in each of the Foxes' final four Premier League matches.
It is unclear at this stage whether Newcastle will return with an improved offer, or if Maddison is keen on a switch to the North East. However, Rodgers himself has recently admitted St James' Park is a 'special place' that will likely now prove to be an attractive destination for prospective signings.
Speaking after the Magpies' dramatic 2-1 home win over Leicester in April, Rodgers said: “Eddie’s come in and made a very good start and made some really good signings. I think that gives great hope to the supporters. I’m pretty sure they’ll look to build on that in the summer.
“This is one of the incoming football clubs in Britain. It’s a special place. Great atmosphere in the game, we’re just disappointed with the result but we say congratulations to Newcastle.”
READ NEXT
Eddie Howe offers Jonjo Shelvey injury update amid Newcastle United midfield question
"We hope we can" - Eddie Howe's transfer message to Newcastle United fans amid window frustration
"Never say never" - Eddie Howe asked if Newcastle will have new player in time for Nottingham Forest
Eddie Howe admits Elliot Anderson is on course to stay at Newcastle United
Newcastle United earn slender but respectable Atalanta win thanks to Chris Wood's penalty
