Journalist Graeme Bailey believes that Newcastle United remain keen on James Maddison and Youri Tielemans.
It was heavily reported over the summer that Newcastle were keen to put a marker down in the transfer window and bring in teammates Tielemans and Maddison, although both of them ended up staying put.
However, given Leicester City’s atrocious run of form this season – failing to win a single league game – their futures may well now be a lot less certain, with the Magpies reportedly tipped to go back in for Maddison in January.
Bailey has gone one step further on the Talking Transfers podcast, saying that Newcastle are still keen on the Foxes duo ahead of the upcoming transfer market.
He said: “What we’re being told is they would take both players in 2023.
Who would you rather Newcastle signed?
Maddison!
Tielemans!
“They are different positions, we know that, and I think this is the thing with Newcastle now where it’s the depth that needs looking at. Having James Maddison and Tielemans – yes, they would start – but it’s just having that extra depth, isn’t it, when Bruno’s not fit, having someone else in there?
“We’ve seen Sean Longstaff play recently, and not taking anything away from him, but if you are going for the top six, it’s probably not the type of player you want coming into your midfield.”
TIF Thoughts on Newcastle’s interest in Maddison and Tielemans…
Looking at the options Newcastle currently have in their midfield department outside of Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton, they are a bit threadbare – with Sean Longstaff and Joe Willock currently fighting it out for the final spot in Howe’s three-man midfield.
Therefore, even bringing in only one of Maddison and Tielemans could provide that creativity and spark in the final third that the Magpies have lacked a lot of the time this season. Meanwhile, the Leicester pair have registered 98 goal involvements between them in the top flight.
While bringing in both Tielemans and Maddison may be a very difficult double-swoop for Newcastle to pull off, the fact they would likely get guaranteed minutes under Howe given their experience – as well as being part of a club on the up – means the Toon may well fancy their chances in January or even next summer.
The resources of the Saudi state are infinite so at some point Newcastle will be challenging at the top. In the Premier League, money brings success. Let’s be clear though. Leicester’s plight means they are less likely to sell Maddison in January. Relegation may well push the club into administration and is unthinkable