Newcastle United

Newcastle United: Keith Downie does not expect James Maddison to leave in January

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Image for Newcastle United: Keith Downie does not expect James Maddison to leave in January

Newcastle United are unlikely to land James Maddison in the upcoming January transfer window despite their interest in the player. 

This has been suggested by the Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie who has been speaking on the Tyneside Life YouTube channel following the break in Premier League football.

The Toon made a push for the Leicester City midfielder in the summer who was believed to be valued by the Foxes in the region of £60m.

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However, Downie has suggested the Magpies may not have been as close to signing him as they may have initially thought having submitted two bids for the playmaker.

Despite going into the World Cup break looking like serious candidates in the race for a spot in the Premier League’s top four, Downie has suggested Maddison views himself playing Champions League football:

(10:30) “I’m not sure how close Newcastle got [in the summer]. I think it was a bit of a delicate situation in that Newcastle I believe were made to think that they could get him if they made a certain bid. But I don’t think that was quite the case.”

“I think Maddison will be difficult for Newcastle in January, I have to say.”

“But it’s a difficult one because I think Maddison, from the bits and pieces I’m hearing, wants to play in the Champions League. Okay, so that’s why in the summer, I thought this would be difficult to happen.”

TIF Thoughts on Downie’s comments…

It is an interesting point that Downie makes and it may ultimately prove detrimental for Eddie Howe’s side in their potential pursuit for Maddison.

Do you expect Maddison to leave Leicester in January?

Yes

Yes

No

No

There is no doubting how good Newcastle have looked this season, however, the gap to fifth spot is only four points and Manchester United do hold a game in hand over the Magpies.

And at such an early stage, the Toon are no guarantee for Champions League football so why would Maddison look to make the move in January?

This is not to say Newcastle can’t achieve a spot in the top four, but it feels more logical for Maddison to wait until the summer to potentially move when he knows what clubs can offer him what.

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