Leicester begin talks with James Maddison over new contract after rejecting two bids form Newcastle

Leicester have opened talks with James Maddison over a new contract as the midfielder enters the final two years of his current deal.

As Sportsmail reported last month, Leicester are keen to ensure Maddison – the subject of two bids from Newcastle this summer – commits his future to them for the long term.   

Asked whether the club were in discussions with Maddison’s agents, Foxes boss Brendan 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.’

Leicester City have opened discussions with midfielder James Maddison over a new contract

The 25-year-old’s last contract renewal was in August 2020 and worth about £100,000, which pushed him closer to top earners Jamie Vardy and Kasper Schmeichel. 

Schmeichel has left for Nice while Vardy, who is now in the last year of his contract, is also set to sign a new deal in the coming weeks.

Rodgers said: ‘I’m pretty sure the club would want to do that. 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.’ 

The playmaker has been the subject of heavy interest from Newcastle throughout the summer

Brendan Rodgers confirmed that talks have begun to keep the ‘outstanding’ star at the club

Making it clear he was not speaking specifically about Maddison, but in general terms, Rodgers added: ‘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 scored 18 goals and provided 12 assists last season and already has a goal and an assist from his opening two league games.