Simon Jordan expects James Maddison to become a Newcastle United player this summer. The former Crystal Palace owner highlighted Leicester City’s previous record of cashing in on star assets if the price is right.
N’Golo Kante, Riyad Mahrez and Harry Maguire have left the Foxes in recent seasons after establishing themselves at the King Power Stadium. As it stands, the Magpies are still way below matching their valuation for Maddison.
Two bids have been rejected for the 25-year-old - who has one England cap - as Toon chiefs aim to strengthen Eddie Howe’s attacking options. The last bid, which was rejected on Tuesday, was understood to be just shy of £50million.
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That is still short of Leicester’s £60million price tag, with the new regime at St James’ Park hoping for a compromise before the transfer window slams shut. Maddison bagged 18 goals and made 12 assists across all competitions last season and is regarded as one of the most talented players outside the top six.
Now, talkSPORT pundit Jordan has put his neck on the line to suggest Newcastle will “likely” land their man with an improved bid. He told the station: “It’s interesting that they are linked with players like James Maddison at Newcastle.
“Leicester are the natural emulation, the natural step for Newcastle to be looking to overtake clubs like Leicester and build upon the successes and achievements of clubs like Leicester. They don’t have their embarrassment of riches but do have significant levels of success. Premier League and the FA Cup.”
“Clearly there has to be an out policy before there is an in policy. If Maddison has to go, then so did Mahrez, so did Drinkwater and some of these top players, like N’Golo Kante.
“They have all gone and Leicester have continued to be an elite Premier League side in the top eight of the division. It looks likely (the Maddison transfer). Of course, people have to meet the valuations – this isn’t a model they haven’t done before.”
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