Newcastle 'to reignite James Maddison interest this summer'

Newcastle United are reportedly set to reignite their interest in Leicester City midfielder James Maddison.

The Magpies had two bids of £35m and £40m rejected last summer after failing to meet Leicester's £60m valuation.

Newcastle made another enquiry about the England international last month, but Leicester were not willing to part ways with one of their prized assets in the middle of the season.

Although he has missed a number of games this season through injury, Maddison is currently Leicester's top-scorer.

The playmaker has registered eight goals in 15 Premier League appearances, while he also contributed with four assists.

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Having entered the final 18 months of his contract at the King Power Stadium, his future at the club remains uncertain.

With a new Leicester contract yet to be agreed, the Northern Echo are reporting that Newcastle are set to renew their pursuit of Maddison in the summer transfer window.

After failing to sign a midfielder in January, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has admitted that his side are "light" in the middle of the park.

However, Newcastle could face competition from Manchester City, who are also believed to be showing an interest in Maddison.

A recent report claimed that the Citizens have identified Maddison as a potential transfer target for the summer transfer window.

While Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers will want to retain Maddison's services, he recently revealed that the club are open to selling key players.

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"It's something that in the main has always been done at Leicester," Rodgers told reporters. "You can never be frightened of that. It's all about that pipeline of players, bringing in the next one. It's the model that's here.

"Early on in my career I had a player I was absolutely devastated to lose, because I thought it would make a big impact on the way my team played.

"I never thought we could play how we wanted without his qualities, but we ended up getting someone in who was absolutely brilliant. From that point I never really fell too much in love with a player. I love talent but players will come and go.

"And if they do it's just a case of making sure you've got the next ones to come in. Footballers have short careers and they have to maximise that.

"I am a custodian of the club, I have to look after the club and make sure we can try to get the next one in. That's what we'll do here."

Since joining the Foxes in the summer of 2018, Maddison has made 188 appearances, scoring 53 goals and providing 36 assists.