NEWCASTLE UNITED will not be returning to the negotiating table over James Maddison unless Leicester City make a radical alteration to their current stance over the midfielder.

Newcastle made a sustained effort to sign Maddison at the start of this month, only to see two offers for the England international rejected by the hierarchy at the King Power Stadium.

The Magpies’ second bid for Maddison is understood to have been an offer of around £45m up front, with a further £5m of potential add-ons, but Leicester’s owners turned it down.

The Foxes are understood to regard £60m as a minimum starting point for discussions over the 25-year-old, who has just under two years of his current contract remaining.

Newcastle regard that valuation as too high, and are unwilling to take part in any further discussions unless they receive a firm indication that Leicester are ready to reduce it.

To further complicate matters, Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers has publicly stated that he does not want to lose Maddison, who set up one of his side’s goals in their opening-day draw with Brentford last weekend.

Speaking ahead of that game, Rodgers said: “(Wesley) Fofana and Maddison are not for sale. These are very important players for us.

“We’re in a situation where we need to move some players out, but that doesn’t mean getting rid of anyone, our best assets.”

While Newcastle’s recruitment team will continue to monitor the situation for the remainder of the transfer window, they have effectively drawn a line under their interest in Maddison and are in the process of moving on to alternative targets, with Eddie Howe still keen to make two more signings before the end of the month.

Newcastle are aware of suggestions that Lyon are willing to reduce their asking price for Lucas Paqeuta, although strong competition from Arsenal would potentially complicate a move for the Brazilian, who has been a Magpies target all summer.

The Magpies have been linked with Chelsea’s Christian Pulisic and Benfica’s Goncalo Ramos in the last few days, although a move for either player is not believed to be imminent.