Brendan Rodgers has admitted that Newcastle United's 'big investment' has raised the stakes in the top half of the Premier League as the Leicester City boss attempts to keep hold of James Maddison.
Although Newcastle's owners have limited spending to comply with the top-flight's profit and sustainability regulations, the Magpies have still spent more than £153m on new players since the takeover was completed last year. Newcastle have signed goalkeeper Nick Pope and defenders Sven Botman and Matt Targett this summer, and Eddie Howe is still in the market for a forward who could make a real difference in the final third.
Newcastle have had two big-money bids rejected for Maddison in the last 10 days and the Leicester star sent a timely reminder of his qualities in the Foxes' 2-2 draw against Brentford on Sunday. It was Maddison, after all, who set up Timothy Castagne's opener with an inch-perfect corner kick.
