Brendan Rodgers says Leicester have opened contract talks with James Maddison

Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers says his club have opened talks with James Maddison over a new contract.

The 25-year-old playmaker has two years left on his current deal but has attracted interest this summer from Newcastle, who failed to prise him away in a £40million bid.

Maddison is one of the Foxes’ star players and the club are keen to avoid him entering the final year of his contract next summer.

Asked whether there had been dialogue between the two parties, Rodgers said: “I believe so, I believe they’ve spoken. Yeah, Jon (Rudkin, director of football) has spoken to them a number of times, yes.

“I’m pretty sure the club would want to do that (tie him down). Both sides have to be able to find an agreement.

“With James, with two years left, naturally the club would want to protect the asset. But it works both ways.

“Sometimes, everything goes onto the club. If a player, I’m not saying James, doesn’t want to sign it, then it can be a stalemate.

“But absolutely, he’s an outstanding player and of course, Leicester City would benefit from keeping him longer.”

Maddison, who will have an eye on earning a place in England’s World Cup squad, has started the season well for the Foxes and Rodgers says there has been no change in him following the interest from Newcastle.

“He’s been brilliant. He’s a top-class player. Arsenal, in the spells, where he had the ball, he looked the most dangerous player,” he said.

“He scored a very good goal. For me, James is still the same. He’s improving, developing, and happy.

“Of course, he’s a top player at this level, so people will be interested in him, but I’ve seen no change in him whatsoever.”

Rodgers also expects Wesley Fofana to still be at the club after the transfer window shuts.

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