James Maddison would prefer two clubs over Newcastle United if he is to leave Leicester City, but neither have yet made an offer, it has been claimed.
Maddison has been the subject of a couple of offers from Newcastle. The most recent would be a club-record investment by the Magpies. However, Leicester have turned their advances down so far.
Despite a need to raise funds, Leicester do not feel their valuation of Maddison has been met yet. Newcastle will therefore have to reflect on how much Maddison is really worth.
Yet even if they can convince Leicester to sell, they may have a hard time persuading the player himself. According to journalist Dean Jones, Maddison has two preferences other than Newcastle.
Speaking on the Done Deal Show, Jones recently relayed that Maddison would prefer a move to north London with either Tottenham Hotspur or Arsenal if he was to leave Leicester.
As things stand, though, neither of the rivals from the capital city have made an offer.
Jones explained: “James Maddison has had an approach from Newcastle. The offer Newcastle have put to Leicester isn’t enough and they have to decide whether or not to bid again.
“They’ve not been encouraged to bid again and I don’t get any signs that Maddison actually wants to join Newcastle; from what I hear Maddison wants to join Tottenham or Arsenal.
“If he’s going to leave Leicester one of those two need to make an offer. That’s the latest I’ve heard.”
Maddison is under contract with Leicester until 2024, although his current employers may try and extend that commitment. The former Norwich City playmaker has represented the club since 2018.
European football may appeal to James Maddison
Leicester are without European football this season, as are Newcastle. In contrast, Tottenham could give Maddison his first taste of Champions League football, while Arsenal would lift him back to the Europa League – a competition he has played in with the Foxes.
With that in mind, it is easy to see why Maddison may prefer them at this moment in time. While Newcastle are hoping to build an ambitious project for the future, Spurs and Arsenal are already established at a higher level.
Conte urged to sign James Maddison by Tottenham
Antonio Conte has been urged to sign James Maddison from Leicester City instead of signing Christian Eriksen
What he would have to keep in mind, though, is how much he might play at either destination. There would be higher competition for places in north London. In contrast, he could be central to a growing Newcastle project or keep enjoying his existing Leicester status.
Still, he had no problems adapting with the step up from Norwich to Leicester. As such, the 25-year-old may well back himself to make an impact for another bigger club.
He would have to wait for them to come calling, though.
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https://www.teamtalk.com/leicester-city/newcastle-efforts-flawed-reporter-reveals-james-maddison-arsenal-tottenham-preference
