Newcastle United should 'break the bank' to sign James Maddison - but only if Eddie Howe is convinced the Leicester City star can take his team to the 'next level'. That is the view of Magpies legend Warren Barton, who is convinced the England international could add the 'x-factor' at St James' Park.
Newcastle have seen two bids turned down for Maddison so far, and are now weighing up their options with the season opener against Nottingham Forest just three days away. Leicester are believed to be holding out on a £60 million price tag, with conflicting reports suggesting the Magpies have so far offered in the region of £40m.
United have been determined not to overpay the odds in the face of a so-called 'Newcastle tax' following the takeover which has led to them being dubbed one of the world's richest clubs. The Magpies walked away from a January deal for Diego Carlos, and stood firm on their valuation in their eventual successful move for Sven Botman.
