Newcastle duo have a fresh chance to tempt James Maddison to move north

While Callum Wilson has not been named in the England squad, his Newcastle teammates Nick Pope and Kieran Trippier have retained their place following the World Cup.

Gareth Southgate has named a 25-man England squad for the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers, and it includes the two aforementioned Newcastle players, as well as someone who could be wearing black and white next season.

Wilson is out of the squad, but James Maddison is still in. He did not feature at the World Cup in Qatar, but his form in a Leicester shirt has ensured that he is still part of the Three Lions side.

The Foxes midfielder is enjoying a brilliant season, and has been described as ‘outstanding‘ by Brendan Rodgers. He boasts nine goals and five assists in the Premier League so far, which is more goal contributions than any member of Eddie Howe’s squad.

That is why Newcastle are keen to sign Maddison, as they prepare to reignite their interest in the 26-year-old for the third transfer window in a row. The Athletic believe he remains one of Howe’s top targets.

It has been reported by 90min that the Magpies will try once again to sign Maddison, and are confident that he will be a Toon player for next season.

That remains to be seen, but two Toon players are set to have a fresh chance to convince Maddison that St James’ Park is the place for him.

Trippier and Pope can be in Maddison’s ear about Newcastle once again

The England camp has already spawned one Toon transfer. Pope previously spoke to Trippier during an international break about life on Tyneside before leaving Burnley to join the Magpies last summer.

Maddison could make a similar move this year, and the Toon project is no longer a big secret. It is clear for all to see what Howe’s side are looking to achieve, and they remain in the race for Champions League football.

European qualification appears to be on the horizon, and that will make us even more appealing to players like Maddison.

It was reported during the World Cup that Maddison was told all about the exciting project at St James’ Park, when there was speculation that he could join the club in January.

Now Trippier and Pope will be able to speak to Maddison again, and the subject of a move to Newcastle will surely come up in conversation.

And if they can help convince Maddison that Tyneside is the place for him, it could make Dan Ashworth’s job a lot easier.