Leicester City line-up James Maddison replacement as Newcastle United submit fresh bid

Leicester City will priortise a move for Lyon attacking midfielder Houssem Aouar if they sell James Maddison, according to reports in France.

Newcastle United are showing a strong interest in Maddison after reportedly submitting an improved bid on Monday afternoon.

The Magpies had an offer around the £35million to £40m mark rejected on Saturday but as per the Daily Telegraph have returned to the table with a bid in excess of £45m, though payments are staggered.

Leicester do not want to lose Maddison, who scored 12 goals and provided eight assists last season, this summer but are said to be exploring alternatives in case they decide to cash in on the 25-year-old.

And according to French publication FootMercato, the Foxes will consider a move for Aouar if Maddison leaves.

Speaking about Maddison’s future on Sunday, Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers said: “He’s still very much a player here. Naturally the players are sought after because they are talents.

“You see his performance, you see how happy he is and he’s not a player we want to sell. It’s not for me to put valuations on the players, it’s not my side, but that might just cover three-quarters of his left leg, that price. He’s a top player.”