Newcastle United

Newcastle United: Ben Jacobs claims James Maddison January transfer not looking likely

|
Image for Newcastle United: Ben Jacobs claims James Maddison January transfer not looking likely

Journalist Ben Jacobs has warned that Newcastle United transfer target James Maddison is unlikely to join in the January transfer window. 

It’s certainly no secret that the England midfielder has been heavily linked with a possible move to the Magpies in the near future. Adding to these rumours, his interactions with Kieran Trippier while away with the Three Lions have not gone unnoticed, either.

However, no deal is yet to be agreed, and it sounds as though Newcastle United may have quite a hard time sorting a transfer with Leicester City this winter, even if they are keen on getting a deal done.

Indeed, while speaking on NUFC Matters, Jacobs explained that the Foxes won’t be keen to lose another key player mid-season having sold Wesley Fofana to Chelsea in late August.

He said: “My understanding with Maddison is exactly the same. Regardless of any banter, regardless of any friends, regardless of any suitors, the plan from Leicester’s end – because they’ve lost Fofana – is not to let Maddison go mid-season, and actually to try and get him to sign a new deal.

“And then the plan from Maddison’s point of view is, should he not sign a new deal, to consider his options in the summer, because in the summer, he’ll know exactly what he’s got.”

1 of 10
Newcastle-United-manager-Eddie-Howe-looks-on

Which of these United States stars has been linked with the Toon recently?

TIF Thoughts on James Maddison and Newcastle United…

The sale of Fofana seemed to hit Leicester hard, as they struggled for form in the early stages of the Premier League season and looked very shaky at the back.

With that in mind, it’s easy to see why manager Brendan Rodgers would be against losing another key player. Indeed, despite Leicester playing poorly at times, Maddison continued to deliver big performances and has scored seven goals in the league so far.

Still, due to his quality, Newcastle will likely be keen to land the player as soon as possible, though it sounds as if a move might not be possible until the summer.

To be fair to Maddison, if he waits until a later date, he may also get bigger wages, as if he joins at the end of the season, the Magpies may have secured Champions League football and so would have more money to spend on contracts for new signings – while the midfielder may well seek to join the highest bidder.

Should NUFC spend big on James Maddison this winter?

No

No

Yes

Yes

Share this article