Newcastle United remain in dialogue with James Maddison's representatives despite talk of Tottenham Hotspur cranking up their efforts to sign the England international.
Suggestions of a formal bid from Spurs yesterday were not accurate and Newcastle are being kept in the loop on developments with Maddison as Leicester City look to sell one of their star men. Maddison is with England until Monday night with Euro 2024 qualifying matches against Malta this evening and North Macedonia at Old Trafford to come.
It is Leicester's stubborn approach to Maddison's transfer fee that has held up negotiations so far. Spurs enquired about an initial joint bid for Maddison and Harvey Barnes but it amounted to an initial £50million plus add ons, and they would have to come in again with more for Leicester to stand up and take notice.
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The Foxes are looking for more than £50million for Maddison knowing they must factor in a 15% sell on fee to Norwich City. For now Maddison - despite Leicester's relegation - is in good spirits.
He was all smiles as he trained with Callum Wilson in the build-up to the clash against Malta and teased a picture of him playing pool with the Toon number 9 this week. The presence of Wilson and Kieran Trippier can only aid Newcastle's attempts to sign Maddison but the deal will boil down to the fee.
Things could well pick up on Maddison after the England fixtures are concluded and for now the 26-year-old is focused on his duties for the Three Lions. Maddison agency CAA Base are prepared for the playmaker to move north and have plans to help relocate the star should he pick the Magpies.
