Craig Hope has claimed on the Off The Ball podcast that he doesn’t believe Newcastle United transfer target James Maddison will be available in January.
It was well documented over the summer that Newcastle wanted to bring in James Maddison for big money having seen a £40 million plus bid rejected by Leicester City and it’s clear to see why given his scintillating form this season with six goals and four assists.
Many Newcastle fans will be desperate for them to go back in for Maddison over the summer, and it’s something that has been reported within the local media, although Hopes can’t see the Foxes letting their best player leave mid-season.
Hope isn’t convinced that Newcastle will be able to land their long-time target in Maddison early next year despite reports.
Do you want Newcastle to sign Maddison?
Yes!
No!
(7:45) “If they go into January in third or fourth, which is looking likely, they might just have a decision to make and if someone like James Maddison might be available, in actual fact he probably won’t be, I don’t think Leicester can afford to sell him for where they are in the league right now.”
TIF Thoughts on interest in Maddison…
This will no doubt come as a major blow for PIF who reportedly had him eyed up as a priority January transfer target.
Looking at the contrasting fortunes of Newcastle and Leicester, Maddison may well have been wishing the Foxes had accepted one of the transfer offers that came in from the Magpies over the summer as he could’ve been pushing for Europe.
It’s clear to see why Newcastle want Maddison as he can play through the middle or indeed out wide on one of the wings having done so for Leicester on numerous occasions, and would add that bit of quality the Magpies may need to go up another level.
Maddison may well be tempted by a switch to Tyneside either in January or the summer if they finish inside the top four, however, the Foxes will likely demand a premium transfer fee if he continues this sort of form throughout the season.