Middlesbrough have had a 'cheeky offer' for Marcus Maddison rejected by Peterborough United, according to their director of football Barry Fry.
Reports from Football Insder revealed that the Teessiders were plotting a move for the 26-year-old after a stunning season so far, with Peterborough Today confirmed that Jonathan Woodgate's side had made an offer.
Maddison has taken League One by storm for the Posh after scoring 10 goals and getting eight assists in 20 games so far this term.
The attacking midfielder is out of contract at the end of the season but has a release clause of £2.5million which could be acvtivated during the January transfer window.
Peterborough's director of football Fry was discussing Maddison's future in a Q&A at the club's AGM on Monday, and while admitting that they had had offers for the creative midfielder, he insisted that the 26-year-old would not be moving unless his release clause was met.
Quoted by Peterborough Today, Fry said: “We are not interested in selling anyone in January. We want to add to the squad not weaken it.
“The one issue we could have is Marcus, because if someone meets his valuation we can’t stop him talking to the bidding club and he could then leave.
“I don’t believe for one minute that will happen though. It makes no sense to pay £2.5 million for someone you could sign for nothing in five months time.
“Some clubs have made cheeky offers, but they won’t get Marcus on on the cheap.
“And Marcus is happy to stay with us. If he does leave us, he would like it to be with the club promoted to the Championship.
“And rest assured the club has a plan B in place should anyone leave. We have identified the players we want should anyone leave.”
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The verdict
Marcus Maddison could be the perfect fit for Middlesbrough.
As well as being an affordable option, the 26-year-old has an excellent track record in League One with Peterborough United and will certainly add a creative element to Jonathan Woodgate's side.
Interest is likely to be high in the former Newcastle academy star, meaning that the Teessiders could face competition.