Peterborough United, as per club policy, have transfer listed star player Marcus Maddison today as he approaches the last year of his current contract.
The 23-year-old Durham-born former Newcastle United youth player, signed for the Posh near the end of the summer 2014 transfer window from non-league Gateshead FC, who play in the National League.
Since his arrival at the London Road Stadium, the winger-cum-attacking midfielder has made 124 appearances, scoring 30 goals and providing 38 assists. His output this season in League One has definitely caught the eye of suitors wanting to seal his signature.
Back in January the Mail Online said that Fulham were leading the pack in a chase where Maddison was “a target for a host of Championship clubs.” This season’s nine League One goals and 17 assists will have no doubt whetted the appetite some more, with Championship sides likely licking their lips at the possibility of bringing the youngster to their clubs.
Posh Chairman/owner Darragh MacAnthony has confirmed via his Twitter feed that the club have offered Maddison a new deal, but the current thinking is that Maddison’s eyes are glancing upwards rather than around him and a further season in League One.
Club will continue to talk to Marcus & Bossie's agents in coming weeks to try do new contracts with them. I live in hope obviously. https://t.co/enAvKSgrdH
— Darragh MacAnthony (@DMAC102) May 2, 2017
I can confirm yes on MB and MM. https://t.co/pMz2iqI15G
— Darragh MacAnthony (@DMAC102) May 2, 2017
However, in a Twitter session earlier today, MacAnthony says that despite Maddison entering the last season of his contract in July, the club are in no rush to sell him, the price needing to be both acceptable and right.
Chill, Im quite comfortable seeing Marcus play his final year out if we don't get what we feel his worth is. https://t.co/thb5Jel9xg
— Darragh MacAnthony (@DMAC102) May 2, 2017
Darragh MacAnthony is a sensible man, he knows that he will not stand in the way on Marcus Maddison moving on from the club should a sensible and acceptable offer come in for his services. Offers will likely come in, so highly regarded is Maddison as a player – one who skill-set and football grounding should allow him to cope with a step up in both division and class.
The Peterborough owner certainly has no qualms about whether or not the Peterborough United star can make that step up.
Sure he'd be top asset for any promotion chasing champ club next year but yep price always key for me to say yes to any sale.. https://t.co/jBlEoZAiZr
— Darragh MacAnthony (@DMAC102) May 2, 2017
Should Maddison’s eyes be set elsewhere, then it is conceivable that sides like Leeds United, Derby County and others that missed out on the play-offs might be convinced enough by his promise and potential to step in, get out the chequebook and see what level of tempting it takes for Peterborough United and Darragh MacAnthony to get interested.
Goal/Assist stats courtesy of Transfermarkt