Journalist Ross Gregory has claimed that Newcastle United target James Maddison may push for an exit should he not make England’s World Cup squad.
Maddison has been in scintillating form since the start of last season, scoring 17 Premier League goals and setting up a further 10 in 42 appearances.
However, he was once again left out of Gareth Southgate’s latest Three Lions squad for the UEFA Nations League fixtures in September.
Despite Leicester’s dismal start to the campaign, the 25-year-old has been directly involved in seven goals in seven matches, but if the attacking midfielder isn’t selected by Southgate for Qatar, Gregory feels he could be tempted to leave the Foxes.
Speaking on NUFC Matters, he said: “He’s not going to go to the World Cup, I don’t think. I can’t see him going to the World Cup at all.
“That might set a rabbit off with him, he might start pressing for a move elsewhere – but if Maddison becomes available for transfer, Newcastle aren’t going to be the only ones who are in for him.”
TIF Thoughts on Maddison and Leicester…
Should NUFC spend big on James Maddison this winter?
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The one-cap England ace may indeed feel that he can compete for a place in the national team on a regular basis if he was at a side further up the table.
But whether he feels Newcastle is a step up remains to be seen.
Tottenham Hotspur are reported admirers of the maestro, and given their potential to challenge for a top-four place, it could scupper the Toon’s chances of landing the former Norwich City man.
Eddie Howe’s side picked up their first win since the opening weekend of the season at Fulham last time out to move up to seventh place.
If they are in a similar position come January and were to again lodge a bid when the window reopens, Maddison could well be enticed to take the club up on their offer.