Leicester City are intensifying contract talks with James Maddison as they move to avoid the prospect of a summer sale.
Maddison is approaching the final 12 months of his deal and Leicester have restarted negotiations over a long-term extension in the past 48 hours.
Newcastle had an offer worth up to £40 million rejected in the summer transfer window and are keeping a close eye on Maddison’s contract situation.
Tottenham are also keen admirers of the England international, who was included in Gareth Southgate's squad for the World Cup in Qatar but did not play.
Signed for £25 million from Norwich City in June 2018, Maddison has been a hugely successful recruit and was named as captain for
Saturday's 4-1 victory over Tottenham.
This season he has scored nine goals and registered four assists in the Premier League this season.
Leicester are determined to ensure the 26 year old stays beyond this season, and are now ramping up talks over a new deal.
Norwich will also be keeping a close eye on the situation as they agreed a 15 per cent sell-on to any future deal which represents a profit.
After the win over Tottenham, Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers said: “We think James is in his best position now. He’s done great for me in the last 12 or 14 months playing out of position on the right.
"You see his qualities, he’s one of the best players in the league. He’s grown as a leader too and is an outstanding player."
Leicester have won their last two league matches, scoring eight goals, and face Manchester United at Old Trafford this weekend.
Leicester’s season has been galvanised by their three new signings - Harry Souttar, Victor Kristiansen and Tete - in the January transfer window and keeping Maddison is their next priority.
Though the club has frequently sold their star players in recent years, with the likes of Harry Maguire, Ben Chilwell and Riyad Mahrez all sold for big fees, the sale of Maddison will be a major blow to Rodgers’s rebuilding plans.
Youri Tielemans, the Belgium international, will be out of contract this summer but there is a growing sense that he will leave on a free transfer.
Caglar Soyuncu and Ayoze Perez are also set to leave as free agents at the end of this season.