LEICESTER City are keen to quickly resolve the future of James Maddison as they set about planning for life in the Championship, but Newcastle United and Tottenham are unwilling to meet the Foxes' current asking price for the playmaker.

After confirming the appointment of Manchester City coach Enzo Maresca as their new boss, Leicester's focus will now shift to the squad rebuild after relegation from the Premier League.

Leicester have accepted that Maddison - who only has 12 months left to run on his deal at the King Power Stadium - will have to be sold this summer, but want to avoid the matter rumbling on too long to ensure they're not left scrambling for replacements late in the summer window.

Leicester bosses are said to want around £60m for Maddison and are hoping the strong interest from Newcastle and Tottenham - who are both prioritising the signing of the 26-year-old - will trigger something of a bidding war. But the Magpies have made it clear they'll be disciplined this summer, with both United and Spurs of the belief that Leicester's asking price will inevitably come down.

Reports that Tottenham made a £50m double bid for Maddison and Harvey Barnes last week are said to be wide of the mark, but a concrete offer for Maddison is imminent.

Ange Postecoglou will be backed after his switch from Celtic, with Conor Gallagher - who is also on Newcastle's radar - a target. But Maddison is top of Postecoglou's wishlist.

Maddison started and played 70 minutes for England in Friday's 4-0 win at Malta.

Asked how he's dealing with the current transfer uncertainty, he said: "It’s a pause and put the blinkers on and focus on the job at hand.

"It was a tough end to the season but it's a positive to have these games with England after having a little bit of a break between the last game of the Premier League season and now. It was good to refocus on these games."

Newcastle striker Callum Wilson, who scored his second England goal in the Malta win, is doing his bit to tempt Maddison to Tyneside.

He reposted a picture on Instagram of him grabbing the midfielder in England training alongside the caption: "Newcastle is this way."

Strengthening midfield is the priority for Eddie Howe this summer, with the Magpies last week making a bold move for Inter Milan's Nicolò Barella.

In response, Inter's ultras, Curva Nord, have now made their feelings known on the midfielder's future, posting on their official Instagram page: "A born Inter fan. Present and future. Untouchable".

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Inter are determined to try and keep hold of Barella and are said to value the Italy international significantly higher than £50m, which Newcastle are preparing to offer.

Reports in Italy say Chelsea have audaciously asked whether Inter would consider a swap deal with striker Romelu Lukaku, who spent last season on loan at the San Siro, but that's extremely unlikely.

Meanwhile, Newcastle midfielder Joelinton enjoyed a dream debut for Brazil on Saturday, scoring in the 4-1 win over Guinea in Spain, a moment he said he's dreamt of since he was a child.

He said: "I was dreaming in the bedroom, imagining this moment. First game of the national team, it is a great pride.

"At the time of the goal it was a dream. I'm very happy."

His Newcastle teammate Bruno Guimaraes posted on social media: “Congratulations brother! You deserve it, very happy for you."