Insider reveals exactly what Newcastle must do to beat Tottenham in race for Leicester midfielder

A Sky Sports journalist has detailed what Newcastle United must promise James Maddison if they are to sign him ahead of Tottenham.
Newcastle made two bids for Leicester City’s Maddison during the summer transfer window. As they rate the attacking midfielder at £50million, this is as far as their second bid went up to.
However, Leicester value Maddison at £60m and therefore rejected Newcastle’s proposals for him.
And it is a good job the Foxes kept hold of Maddison. He has reached another level this season, registering seven goals and four assists so far.
The 25-year-old was originally an outsider to make Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the World Cup. But his brilliant form saw him force his way into Southgate’s 26-man setup.
Leicester would love to keep Maddison for the long run. However, this season he has shown he has the ability to shine for clubs competing further up the Premier League table.
Plus, Maddison’s contract at the King Power expires in summer 2024. This means Leicester are slowly becoming more vulnerable to losing him, should he decide not to pen a contract extension.
Newcastle remain big admirers of Maddison, while Tottenham apparently want to sign him too.
Newcastle must pay big money to snare England ace
Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie, who often covers Newcastle, has provided his information on Maddison’s future.
Downie claims the Magpies must ‘break their wage structure’ to beat Spurs and take Maddison to St James’ Park.
“What Newcastle would have to do for James Maddison is break their wage structure,” he said (via Goal).
“Obviously, he’s going to be wanting significantly more than he’s on at Leicester with his contract running down. It’s just whether Newcastle are willing to go to that number.”
According to Spotrac, Maddison earns £110,000 a week in the East Midlands. The same source states Newcastle’s highest earner is Kieran Trippier, who takes home just over £144k every seven days.
Therefore, if Downie is right, Newcastle will need to pay Maddison between £150-200k to complete his signing.
Eddie Howe already has strong options in midfield. The likes of Bruno Guimaraes, Joe Willock, Joelinton and Jonjo Shelvey are all in his squad.
Howe also has Sean Longstaff available to him, although pundits have suggested Newcastle should land a top-class replacement for him. Maddison could be that man, despite him being a different kind of midfielder.
Newcastle previously wouldn’t have been a step up from Leicester. However, Howe’s side are on the up following their takeover in October 2021.
They currently sit third in the Premier League, just seven points behind leaders Arsenal. This puts them in a great position to achieve European qualification for next season.
Leicester, meanwhile, have responded to their poor start to the campaign and are now in 13th place. However, they may struggle to make seventh or higher.
Due to this, if Maddison wants to take the next step in his career and play in the Europa League or Champions League each campaign, then joining Newcastle would be a good decision.
Elsewhere, a ‘formidable’ Newcastle man has left his former club ‘longing’ after him, according to a report.