Newcastle to launch third James Maddison transfer bid in January – and he wants move to cement place in England squad
NEWCASTLE are set to launch a third bid for Leicester star James Maddison in January, according to reports.
The 25-year-old was among the Toon's top targets over the summer.
Club chiefs had bids worth £40million and £45m turned down for Leicester's creator in chief.
After the first of these offers, Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers said: "That might just cover three-quarters of his left leg."
Undeterred, however, Newcastle appear set to try again for the attacking midfielder in January.
Despite spending £215m across the last two transfer windows, Eddie Howe's side lack creativity and have only bagged eight goals in their first seven matches this term.
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According to , the Magpies are ready to pounce should Leicester lower their demands.
While Rodger and Co have endured a dismal start to the Prem campaign, having accrued just one point from seven matches, Maddison has actually begun the season in fine form.
The former Norwich ace has bagged three goals and laid on an assist in six appearances this term to date.
Irrespective of his form, Maddison appears to be out in the cold when it comes to Gareth Southgate's England squad.
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The Leicester star has earned just one Three Lions cap to date, a substitute appearance against Montenegro in 2019.
While it may be too late to earn a place in the squad for the World Cup in Qatar, Maddison is believed to feel that a move to St James' Park could help his England chances.
Toon stars Nick Pope and Kieran Trippier are both regulars in Southgate's squad.
Maddison has 18 months remaining on his Foxes contract, although they are claimed to possess an option to extend the deal by a further year.
In addition to Maddison, Newcastle have been linked with plenty of attacking stars.
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Boss Howe admires Leeds ace Jack Harrison, while the Toon could go back in for Watford attacker Joao Pedro.
Ukraine whizkid Mykhaylo Mudryk is on their radar, while Bayer Leverkusen's Moussa Diaby has been described as a "dream target".
