Report: Club make £40m approach for 'absolutely brilliant' player Conte wants at Tottenham

By Lee Connor

Newcastle United have made a £40m approach to Leicester to try and sign midfielder, James Maddison, according to reports.

According to The Telegraph, Newcastle approached the Foxes with a bid worth up to £40m yesterday, only for the offer to be slapped back immediately by the Midlands club. Of course, Newcastle’s firm interest comes just a week after Tottenham reportedly made their own approach for Maddison.

Dubbed ‘absolutely brilliant‘ by Glenn Hoddle, Maddison is clearly a player of interest this summer. He finished the season in fine form for Leicester last term and with a World Cup around the corner, could well enjoy a fine few opening months of the season as he looks to impress.

The Foxes, though, are thought to be seeking closer to £60m for Maddison to even consider selling. And if they aren’t convinced to do business, it’s thought they’ll look to give Maddison a new contact as well.

Newcastle have found the window tough going this summer despite all the money PIF have. The club are approaching things sensibly, and that’s meant huge money signings haven’t happened. However, there is a belief that the club could strike before August finishes, with Eddie Howe keen on a new wide attacking midfielder.

TBR’s View: Maddison Would Fly For Tottenham Or Newcastle

Spurs’ spending means a move from them seems more unlikely than Newcastle for now. You never know in football, but for Tottenham to spend £60m or so on Maddison you’d imagine they’d have deals lined up for a number of exits.

It does make sense for Newcastle to look at Maddison. They are trying to build under PIF and add quality, and Maddison is certainly a player of high quality.

But just like most clubs, Leicester don’t need to sell and can demand big money. That, ultimately, is Newcastle’s biggest problem.