James Maddison 'wanted' to join Newcastle United this summer, according to Ian Wright. The Magpies failed with two summer approaches for the Leicester City playmaker, with Eddie Howe's side moving on to secure a blockbuster deal for Alexander Isak.
The Foxes have endured a nightmare start to the season and currently sit bottom of the Premier League following a heavy defeat at Brighton. Brendan Rodgers called for a squad overhaul ahead of the summer but financial restrictions meant Leicester had to sell to fund any arrivals.
Wesley Fofana completed a £70 million switch to Chelsea, and was replaced on deadline day by former Reims defender Wout Faes. Maddison and Youri Tielemans were among the first-team stars tipped to follow Fofana out of the exit door, with Newcastle being linked to both midfielders.
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The Magpies saw two bids in the region of £40m rejected for Maddison, with the one-cap England international having two years left on his contract. Rodgers would go on to joke that Newcastle's offers would only cover 'three-quarters' of the playmaker's 'left leg'.
Wright believes Leicester are struggling right now as the dressing room leaders who should 'inspire' their team-mates want to leave. The BBC Sport pundit namechecked Tielemans before claiming Maddison was keen to make the summer move to St James' Park.
He told The Kelly and Wrighty Show via The Boot Room: “You look at Tielemans, linked and probably wants to leave. Maddison, he wanted to leave – Newcastle. It’s about recruitment. They are not signing that player who comes in and has such a massive impact, like Fofana.
“They are not signing a midfield to come through. Hopefully Soumare might be able to do it. What’s happened is that the players who are there who can inspire good players who come in, they want to leave.
“So it’s really a catch 22 for them. They’re so close but it’s not happening so they’re like I can leave now.”
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