Cheeky Newcastle ploy to sign England star emerges, with Liverpool at risk of losing out despite bid claims

A report has provided some insight on Newcastle United’s clever tactic to get James Maddison to sign for them, amid recent claims Liverpool could submit an offer for the attacking midfielder.

Maddison has been in electric form for Leicester City this season, registering seven goals and four assists in 13 Premier League outings. These goal contributions have helped Leicester move up to 13th in the Prem table after a poor start to the campaign.

Maddison’s top performances saw him make Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the World Cup, to much fanfare. Unfortunately for the 26-year-old, he couldn’t add to his sole international cap as Southgate didn’t even bring him off the bench on England’s route to the quarter-finals.

Maddison is now back at Leicester and will be hoping to continue his brilliant Foxes form when they return to action. Brendan Rodgers’ side face MK Dons in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday, before league clashes against Newcastle and then Liverpool.

Coincidentally, it is Newcastle and Liverpool who are the clubs that could sign Maddison from Leicester. Newcastle pushed hard to land him in the summer and sent Leicester two proposals.

However, they didn’t match his £60million price tag and were therefore rejected. Newcastle remain in the mix for the playmaker, though.

Earlier this week, Liverpool were tipped to launch a bid for Maddison. He is one of their objectives to completely alter the midfield, with Jude Bellingham and Enzo Fernandez also under consideration.

But Newcastle will not let Maddison move to Anfield without putting up a fight. And a local source has provided details on how the Magpies plan to win the race for him.

Newcastle attempt to convince James Maddison on move

As per Chronicle Live, while Maddison was on England duty at the World Cup his team-mates from Newcastle – Nick Pope, Kieran Trippier and Callum Wilson – were tapping him up about a potential switch to Tyneside.

They apparently told Maddison how ‘exciting’ the project unfolding at St James’ Park is. And Newcastle chiefs hope this will be enough to see Maddison hand in a transfer request at Leicester in 2023.

Eddie Howe’s team would then submit a bid of around £60m for him, which could see Maddison move to the north east, with Liverpool losing out.

The former Norwich City ace is certainly facing a major crossroads in his career. With his Leicester contract expiring in summer 2024, he needs to decide whether to agree fresh terms at the King Power or move on.

Foxes star may wait until end of season before moving

One factor which will largely influence this decision is how Leicester finish the season. If they go on a great run and manage to qualify for the Europa League, then he may be convinced to stay put.

But if they only manage Europa Conference League qualification, or an even lower Prem finish, then he may well opt to leave.

And Maddison has two exciting options at his disposal. Newcastle are pushing for a top-four spot and want to eventually become Prem champions. Maddison could therefore help them reach their massive ambitions if he went there.

Alternatively, Maddison may decide to sign for Liverpool. As with most players, he will love the idea of playing under Jurgen Klopp.

And despite Liverpool’s poor start to the season, they still have a good chance of making the Champions League for next year. So like Newcastle, Liverpool will be able to offer Maddison the chance to play on the biggest stage.

Meanwhile, Newcastle transfer target Adrien Rabiot has reportedly decided on his next team for when he leaves Juventus.