Newcastle United have upped the ante in their quest to sign England and Leicester City star James Maddison.
We understand that a bid close to £50million for the midfielder has now been submitted as Newcastle try to tempt the Foxes to part company with the 25-year-old. As reported earlier today, high level talks have been ongoing down the corridors of power at St James' Park and sources at United wanted to make it clear that Maddison is not the only name under consideration at the moment.
Maddison's representatives CAA Base were called up last January when Newcastle needed reinforcements and back then Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood were signed to bolster the squad. Now it is CAA Base again who find themselves around the table at the boardroom with Maddison high on the wishlist.
READ MORE: Brendan Rodgers drops James Maddison hint in Newcastle transfer bid response
Leicester refused the first initial bid for the attacking midfielder but significantly, Maddison remains open to the switch. Just 24 hours ago Brendan Rodgers had made it clear that the bid must go up if the Coventry-born star was to leave.
Rodgers said: “Naturally, he’s a top talent. He’s not for sale. He still has lots of improvements to make. He’s very happy here, he really enjoys being here.
"Naturally he will attract the interest of other clubs. Our job, in not signing anyone so far, is to at least keep the players we have. I know that’s the intention of the club.”
Eddie Howe had refused to divulge on the bid for Maddison on Saturday after the 2-1 win over Athletic Bilbao. But significantly he did not deny the bid when given the opportunity to do so.
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