James Maddison is ‘a Champions League player’ and ‘should have played more times for England’ as 18-goal Leicester star continues to be linked with Newcastle

James Maddison is good enough to play Champions League football and become an England regular, according to Danny Murphy.

The Leicester midfielder is attracting a lot of interest this summer with Newcastle heavily linked with a move for the player.

The Magpies reportedly tabled a £40m offer for the player last week which was rejected outright, with Brendan Rodgers insisting the offer made was far below the 25-year-old’s actual value .

While it remains to be seen if a move will happen this summer, Maddison’s impressive record last season is enough to convince Murphy that he is capable of playing with the best players on the continent.

Speaking on White and Jordan, Murphy said: “I think it would probably take another £20-30million. [for Leicester to accept a bid]to be honest.

“He’s a super talent, the only question mark over James Maddison is his application and sometimes his attitude, but his talent is up there.

“He should have played more times for England, he should be more in the account.

“He’s the only dark horse I see coming into the England team if he can start the season the way he finished last.

“To get 18 goals and 12 assists, 30 goals in a season at Leicester is a bit.

“He’s the only away player who could outperform the others in talent, so I understand Newcastle’s interest.

“It depends on how quickly they try to transform the club and move forward. At the moment you would say outside of Leicester and Newcastle, Leicester are better but Newcastle will overtake them quickly.

“He makes a lot of money at Leicester, but I would be tempted if I were him. However, if Chelsea or any of the other top four clubs were to come in, I would prefer to go to a ready-made top club.

“Is he good enough? Yes. He is a Champions League player. He has all the qualities necessary to play the Champions League and international football.