James Maddison has been told to leave Leicester City and join Newcastle United…by Danny Mills.
The Magpies’ attempts to sign the 25-year-old is one of the biggest transfer stories in the Premier League right now, with Newcastle having two bids rejected so far.
Eddie Howe is keen to bring Maddison to St James’ Park, with Newcastle offering £50million for the midfielder. The Guardian reported that our second offer was £45million plus £5million in add-ons.
Leicester have said no though, as they want £60million for the one-time England international. In all honesty, it would be a real surprise to see Newcastle offer that much money.
Speculation over a move to the North East has led to debate on whether or not it would be a step in the right direction for Maddison. And pundit Danny Mills certainly thinks it would be a good move for him.
Danny Mills on Maddison possibly moving to Newcastle
The former Manchester City defender has appeared on TalkSPORT and discussed a potential move to St James’ Park for Maddison.
“It’s a step forwards,” he said.
“You’ve got to look where the two clubs are going. If you’re going to go on where the two clubs finished last year, that’s the only argument you have.
“But Newcastle is a club on an upward trajectory. Leicester is on a downward trajectory. They’re about to lose Kasper Schmeichel, their goalkeeper. They’re losing players left, right and centre. They still haven’t brought a player in. Tielemans could go as well.
“Leicester at the minute looks like it’s a club heading down. Their recruitment has been non existent.
“Newcastle, with everything they’re putting in place, building for the future, would be a great move for him.
“He’s the sort of player that Newcastle fans would love. A bit of creativity in the midfield. If I was him I’d get yourself on that A1 and start driving – start walking.”
Move backwards to go forwards
It’s very easy to understand why a move to Newcastle would be viewed as a backwards step for Maddison. Leicester have been competing for honours and playing in Europe in recent years. In contrast, the Magpies have been battling relegation.
Go back 12 months and the two clubs are miles apart and the gap only looked set to get bigger. But that is no longer the case.
The takeover has brought renewed optimism on Tyneside, with the new owners and Eddie Howe changing the club’s fortunes.
We are now very much on the up, and are taking great strides to eventually challenge for Europe in the coming years. In contrast, Leicester look like they could be going the opposite way. That’s why Mills believes a transfer to Newcastle would be good for Maddison.
However, the main issue here is the price – not whether or not Maddison fancies the move. While Mills thinks he should walk to Newcastle, there’s no point until we have an offer accepted. And there are no guarantees that will happen.