James Maddison's stance on potential summer move discussed by Leicester boss amid Toon links

After links with Newcastle United and a star performance in Leicester's 4-1 win over Tottenham, Brendan Rodgers has been discussing James Maddison's future at Leicester City.

The Foxes boss admits there's nothing the club can do to convince him to stay, revealing that the attacking midfielder is keen to play 'at the very highest level' after showing what he can do at the King Power Stadium.

Without saying it, Rodgers speaks like a man who knows he's losing his best player this summer, accepting he's considering the 'next step' in his career after five seasons at Leicester.

Despite missing seven games this season through injury, the 26-year-old has still bagged an outstanding nine goals and five assists in a generally out of sorts side, with his goal and assist in Saturday's 4-1 win over Spurs doing Newcastle United a big favour prior to our disappointing draw at Bournemouth.

Eddie Howe is believed to be a big admirer of Maddison and has already been described as one of our top summer targets - although some wonder if we'll have to secure Champions League football to convince the ambitious England international to sign.

Here's what Rodgers had to say when asked about his future over the weekend:

"No, [there’s nothing more Leicester can do to convince him].

"I think he knows how much he’s loved and the impact he’s had here.

"It’s just going to be about him and where he sees the next steps of his career. That’s nothing against the club or against anyone, he’s probably a player that wants to play at the very highest level and he’s showing he can do that.

"He’s a top, top player but in the meantime we’re not taking anything away from him, he’s very committed. You see him, he led them out, his chest was out and he absolutely loved it, it was right up his street."