Exclusive: Newcastle make £40m bid for Leicester star James Maddison

Newcastle United have made a huge £40 million bid for James Maddison, the Leicester and England attacking midfielder.

Telegraph Sport understands Newcastle tabled the significant offer for Maddison on Friday and it was turned down by Leicester, who are the only remaining Premier League club yet to make a senior signing this summer.

Maddison, 25, has been identified as a key target for Eddie Howe ahead of the new season and Newcastle are now weighing up whether to make an improved offer.

The £40m offered would have made Maddison Newcastle's joint-record signing alongside Joelinton if it had been successful.

Signed for £25m from Norwich City in June 2018, Maddison has proved an excellent recruit and developed his game under the guidance of Brendan Rodgers.

Leicester's stance on Maddison is intriguing as they need to sell players to raise funds this summer, due to issues with Financial Fair Play and a top-heavy squad.

The decision to reject Newcastle's bid appears to suggest that Leicester consider Maddison as integral to Rodgers' plans for the forthcoming season, despite their obvious need for funds.

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