James Maddison hint arrives from Brendan Rodgers after opening bid? – Over to you, NUFC…

Brendan Rodgers has been responding to reports linking James Maddison and Wesley Fofana with potential moves away from Leicester City – and his comments may offer a source of encouragement if you read between the lines.

The Foxes boss told the BBC, “Fofana is not for sale, end of” when quizzed on serious interest from Chelsea over the weekend, yet his reaction to our opening bid for James Maddison suggested they might just sell at the right price.

Clearly, Rodgers feels our initial offer wasn’t enough, saying £40m “might just cover three-quarters of his left leg”, but it seemed telling to me that he didn’t ruled out the possibility of him leaving.

It’s been reported that Leicester want around £60m for the 25-year-old talent, so it’s obvious we’ll have to up our bid if we wish to bring the Englishman to St James’ Park, however Rodgers comments suggest there’s a deal to be done, here.

Here’s what he had to say when asked about Newcastle’s interest in the attacking midfielder:

“He’s still very much a player here.

“Naturally the players are sought after because they are talents.

“You see his performance, you see how happy he is and he’s not a player we want to sell.”

“It’s not for me to put valuations on the players, it’s not my side.

“But that (£40m) might just cover three-quarters of his left leg, that price.

“He’s a top player.”

The Telegraph report that the player himself is ‘keen’ on a move to Tyneside, so let’s hope an improved bid arrives soon and a compromise can be reached.

It may be that Leicester value Maddison way higher than we’re willing to go, but Rodgers’ comments may just encourage Toon chiefs to try again…

About Olly Hawkins

As a Junior Magpie since birth and season ticket holder, I eat, sleep and breathe all things NUFC! Here at the blog, I aim to bring you news, views, match reports and transfer exclusives as and when I get them.

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