Newcastle: 'World-class' £50m star would be 'game-changer' at St James' Park

Newcastle United would bag themselves a ‘game changer’ if they were to complete a deal for Leicester City attacker James Maddison this summer, according to Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge.

Eddie Howe and Dan Ashworth has overseen a steady stream of business at St James’ Park but there is still time for the Magpies to bring a statement signing to the North East.

It is clear that the 25-year-old is a top target for the club this summer but bids of £35 million and £50 million have already been rejected by the Foxes.

A price tag of £60 million has reportedly been slapped on the attacking midfielder and it remains to be seen whether or not Newcastle will return with a better offer.

If he were to complete a move to St James’ Park, Maddison would become just the fourth signing of the summer, following Nick Pope, Sven Botman and Matt Targett.

Many will have expected a free-spending window from the latest members of football’s ultra-rich club, but so far they have kept their business frugal.

Bridge says that, if he were in charge of transfer business at the club, he would get a deal for Maddison done.

The reporter says the £110,000 per-week star has the potential to be a game changer and take Howe’s side to another level.

Bridge told GIVEMESPORT: “If I were Newcastle, I’d just do it. But I understand their stance at the moment, with FFP and everything, and I admire the way they say they won’t be held to ransom. I just feel with him though: 25, English, game changer. You immediately, with Maddison, guarantee you finish above Leicester, you get guaranteed top 10, and you’ve got a really good English player on your books for a long time.”

The one-cap England international has been a consistent performer in the top flight since