Newcastle United are reportedly confident of signing James Maddison from Leicester City when the transfer window reopens in January.
Dean Jones has told Give Me Sport that James Maddison is Newcastle United’s top target in January. And the Magpies are growing in confidence that they will be able to lure the 26-year-old England international to St. James’ Park.
Jones told Give Me Sport, “I’d probably go as far at this point as saying James Maddison is their top target for the January transfer window in this position. There is, from what I can gather, a growing belief that they can get it done and convince him that this is the right way to go.”
Newcastle could definitely use more quality in the final third, and the 26-year-old midfielder would be a solid acquisition for them. Maddison has been one of the best playmakers in the Premier League since joining Leicester City from Norwich United. And he could improve Newcastle immensely in the attacking department.
The English international has been in outstanding form this season, and he has seven goals and four assists to his name across 13 Premier League matches. But Newcastle United will need to pay £60 million to sign Maddison.
Maddison is at the peak of his powers, and he could be a marquee signing for Newcastle as they look to secure Champions League football for next season. The Magpies are currently in the top four and will hope to stay there at the end of the season.
Newcastle have put together a formidable squad since their takeover. And bringing in players like Maddison will only help them improve further. The likes of Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak could certainly use more service in the final third. And the arrival of Maddison will help them.
Apart from being an excellent goalscorer, he will add a new dimension to the Newcastle attack with his set piece prowess as well. The 26-year-old can be lethal from free kicks and his efforts from the long range. So the £60 million price tag seems justified.
Maddison is well-settled in the Premier League and will likely make an immediate impact if he joins Newcastle in January. A transfer like that could galvanise the whole squad during the second half of the season and help them secure a top-four finish.
Leicester City have struggled over the past year, and Newcastle have an ambitious project. The Magpies are likely to play European football sooner rather than later, and Maddison could be tempted to join them in the coming weeks. The player has been linked to Liverpool as well.
