Leicester City have set their price tag for James Maddison amid interest from Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United, reports The Telegraph.
Maddison first joined Leicester in the summer transfer window of 2018 for a fee of around £20 million, following a stellar season in the Championship with Norwich City. He wasted little time in making an impact at the King Power Stadium, scoring on his home debut against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The 26-year-old has continued to be a regular in the Foxes’ line-up in the last four-and-a-half years. He has made a total of 155 Premier League appearances, scoring 42 goals and assisting a further 29.
This season, the midfielder has been at his best, registering nine goals and six assists. This form earned him a place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the World Cup – his first call-up for three years.
His performances have attracted attention from some of the Premier League’s high-flying clubs. Newcastle United have been most closely linked with a swoop for the playmaker in the upcoming transfer window, while Tottenham Hotspur have also been touted with an interest.
According to The Telegraph, the pair will have to stump up £50m if they wish to secure Maddison’s services this summer.
However, this figure could depend on a number of factors. His contract is set to expire in 2024, and the two parties are yet to reach an agreement over a new deal. If he does not renew, Leicester may be forced into accepting a lower bid in order to avoid losing him on a free transfer.
Furthermore, the Midlands club are also in danger of relegation to the Championship. This would negatively impact their income, and consequently they may have to offload some of their most valuable assets in order to comply with financial fair play.
Next up for the Foxes is a crucial home clash with fellow strugglers Bournemouth. The hosts have lost seven and won none of their last eight in all competitions, but a victory could take them as high as 14th.
