Ben Jacobs has admitted that Newcastle United transfer target James Maddison wants his next club to have Champions League football and play in London.
The Magpies were certainly not looking to mess about near the end of the summer transfer window as they lodged bids for both Maddison and Jack Harrison before then splashing out big money on Alexander Isak.
However, they certainly haven’t given up on Maddison and his form this season of six goals and four assists in the league will likely only see their interest grow in the attacking midfielder, although he may not be as set on the move to Tyneside.
This is because Jacobs has confirmed on The Done Deal Show that Maddison prefers to live in the capital and play in the Champions League, something Newcastle can’t guarantee him.
“There are other clubs and this is very normal, looking at James Maddison and Maddison’s preference would be Champions League football and I’m told if he was to leave, it is an if so I want to reiterate again that he likes Leicester, he likes Rodgers even with Leicester seemingly down and out in the early part of the season Maddison was a model professional.
Do you want Newcastle to sign Maddison?
Yes!
No!
“But if he’s to leave then he would like to know that he’s getting Champions League football in London ideally, so that’s what Spurs in a good position. Newcastle could change that and obviously, they stand a chance of Champions League football as well.”
TIF Thoughts on Newcastle’s interest in Maddison…
It has been reported since the summer transfer window slammed shut that the Magpies were indeed still intent on going back in for Maddison January, although his form this term may now see him become unavailable.
Also, the fact that Leicester are enjoying a less-than-pleasant season on the pitch could see them bat away any interest, which is what Craig Hope believes will be the case in January as he dealt a big transfer blow to Newcastle.
If Maddison does indeed wish to live in London then Newcastle may well have to offer him a very attractive contract to get him to the opposite end of the country and that may not be what they wish to do as it could break their wage structure.
No sources mentioned here so I’m entitled to say this is another story Jacobs has made up.