Newcastle United are set to make a January bid for Leicester City star James Maddison.
According to Football Insider, Premier League side Newcastle United are set to make a renewed approach to land Newcastle United star James Maddison in the upcoming January transfer window.
The Magpies, with their newfound riches, are keen to put together a competitive side that can challenge the best teams in the league. However, rather than spend a truckload on shiny new signings, Newcastle appears keen to gradually evolve their team incrementally.
The defence and the frontline were given timely boosts in the summer, and it would appear that the midfield is set to get an addition in January. Newcastle were keen on landing Maddison last summer but saw offers worth as much as £50 million turned down by Leicester.
It appears to have done little to deter the Magpies who remain keen. Leicester are not averse to selling their star midfielder but are seeking £60m for his services. With just 18 months left on his current contract, the Foxes find themselves in a position where they do not hold the upper hand in negotiations. Newcastle are counting on just that and believe that the asking price will drop given the circumstances. They continue to maintain contact with the player’s representatives and are ready to pounce when the window re-opens.
Adding Maddison to the roster will give an attacking impetus to the Tyneside side’s midfield that has appeared far too stoic at times. Partnering him alongside Bruno Guiamaeres will provide Eddie Howe’s side with the dynamism that they have been sorely lacking in the middle of the park.
At 25, Maddison is entering his prime years and is also a veteran of the Premier League. He has shown himself to be a match-winner at the King Power Stadium and could do with a fresh challenge elsewhere. Brendan Rodgers’ side are currently at rock bottom and appear rudderless on the field. Even if they eventually end up staving off relegation, the club is miles away from challenging for trophies.
Newcastle, on the other hand, are a side on the up and have the ambition to boot. Maddison will be joining a young side that will be keen to upset the applecart in English football and need just a player of his qualities to make the push. It could very well be a match made in heaven for both parties.
Leicester, however, now face the prospect of losing two key midfielders in quick succession. While Newcastle courts Maddison, Belgian international Youri Tielemans appears set to be a free agent next summer. If Brendan Rodgers thought his job was hard now, he could be set for much worse. That is if he even stays on as the Foxes’ boss.
