Howe fires transfer warning over City midfielder Maddison

NEWCASTLE head coach Eddie Howe has said it is “no secret” that he is attempting to sign attackers this summer after Leicester City turned down a second bid for James Maddison, writes Amie Wilson.

Reports emerged over the weekend of the Magpies’ attempts to buy City’s player of the season.

A first offer was rejected by City late last week, with contrasting reports as to the value of the bid, with claims that it was between £35 million and £40 million.

Newcastle also failed with a second attempt this week, with reports claiming the second bid to be between £40 million and £50 million with add-ons.

City are determined to keep hold of the midfielder this summer, and are said to value him at in excess of £60 million. Leicester are waiting to see if Newcastle will return with a third bid, but they are said to be reluctant to get close to City’s asking price.

So far, Magpies’ boss Howe has refused to talk about the links with Maddison.

When initially asked if he would respond to the links with the City man, Howe simply said: “Predictable answer, no.” Only adding: “We are trying and would love to add to the squad before the Forest game.”

A few days later, speaking ahead of the opening game against Nottingham Forest, while he didn’t mention Maddison specifically, Howe was slightly more willing to talk.

“We would like to add there,” he told Sky Sports about potential attacking signings.

“It’s no secret we’ve been looking at a couple of attackers who could make a difference. Players with different profiles.

“We are still looking for one or two players that can make a difference for us. We won’t stop.”