James Maddison is a transfer target for Newcastle United, and the 26-year-old has admitted he’s been enjoying some ‘banter’ with three of Eddie Howe’s players.
The Leicester City midfielder is currently at the World Cup with England, where he is joined by Callum Wilson, Kieran Trippier and Nick Pope.
The fact three Newcastle players are in the England squad is testament to the improvements at the club, and they want to get even better. That means bringing in players like Maddison, and he is reportedly Newcastle’s top target heading into January.
Whether or not a deal is possible remains to be seen, with PIF seemingly unwilling to break the bank in January. They want the club to grow steadily, despite the fact that the Magpies are currently performing above expectations.
Howe’s side are currently third in the Premier League, and signing Maddison would really boost Newcastle’s hopes of qualifying for Europe.
Fans are hoping that Wilson, Trippier and Pope can have a word with him in Qatar, and they have been doing just that. However, it seems as though most of the ‘banter’ is revolving around the upcoming game between Newcastle and Leicester.
Maddison’s ‘banter’ with Newcastle stars
Maddison has appeared on the Lions’ Den on England’s official YouTube channel, and was asked a question by teammate Conor Coady. The Everton defender wanted to know who is going to win on Boxing Day between Newcastle and Leicester, after hearing some ‘banter’ between Maddison and Wilson.
“To be fair, me, Cal, Tripps and Popey have been having a bit of banter,” Maddison said.
“Three on one to the Newcastle boys. But we’ve been having a bit of banter about the Boxing Day game coming up, and obviously there was speculation last summer. It’s been good fun, banter as you’d expect with the lads.
“I think the Foxes are going to come out on top on Boxing Day. I’ve been saying it all week.
“And Newcastle are in good form to be fair, aren’t they? So there’s been a bit of banter but I think the Foxes will come out on top. Callum Wilson’s sure he’s going to score but I think he’ll have to have a quiet day on Boxing Day.”
There’s something really cringey about footballer’s saying ‘banter’, isn’t there?
Newcastle need to nullify Maddison before signing him
If Newcastle are continue their search for European football, they will need to get a good result when the Premier League returns on Boxing Day.
They face Leicester away from home, where they could come up against a player they want at St James’ Park. Maddison is the danger man for the Foxes, and stopping him will be key to getting a result.
Once that game is out the way, attentions will turn from trying to stop Maddison to trying to sign him.
He was a target during the summer, with Dan Ashworth making two bids. They were rejected, and Newcastle were unwilling to go as high as Leicester’s £60million asking price.
Fans are keen to see the Magpies make a fresh move for Maddison, and it would be interesting to know what the likes of Pope, Trippier and Wilson have been saying to him.
They might be joking about the upcoming game, but they have to have addressed the speculation about a transfer too. Hopefully they have put a good word in, and have got Maddison seriously thinking about a move up North.