By Frank McAvennie

26th Sep, 2022 | 11:33am

Newcastle United could lose out on James Maddison after source's £50m reveal - pundit

Frank McAvennie has insisted Leicester City can’t afford to sell James Maddison to Newcastle United.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former West Ham striker said they will need to hold on to Maddison and claimed something is “not right” at the King Power Stadium.

On Saturday (24 September), sources told this site that Newcastle are preparing to submit a new bid in January for the 25-year-old.

The Magpies failed to secure the signing of the midfielder in the summer, despite tabling offers worth up to £50million.

Brendan Rodgers’ side have held firm on their £60million valuation of Maddison but Newcastle believe the players’ value will drop in January when he will have 18 months left on his deal.

Eddie Howe is a “huge” admirer of Maddison and is keen to bring him to St James’ Park in the new year.

McAvennie insisted it will be difficult to convince Leicester to give up the midfielder.

“I don’t think they can afford to lose any more players, because they’re not bringing any players in,” he told Football Insider.

“They’ve got an aging team now, with [Jamie] Vardy and Jonny Evans, they’re getting on. They’re not bringing anyone in, so all of these players have been going out and they’ve not been bringing them back in.

“Something’s not right with Brendan Rodgers’ demeanour. Something’s gone on between him and the owners and they’re not wanting to pay any more money in. I think they’ll be reluctant to sell anyone but Maddison is a good player.“

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