Once upon a time, James Maddison was Newcastle United’s number one target heading into the January transfer window.
But almost a month has passed and there hasn’t even been a sniff of the Leicester midfielder heading to the North East to join Eddie Howe’s side.
The Northern Echo stated in late November that Maddison remained at the top of the Magpies’ wanted list, after Dan Ashworth failed to sign the England international in the summer.
Elsewhere, the Times reported that Newcastle would make a fresh move for Maddison, but only if the Foxes lowered their asking price. He was valued at £60million during the summer, which was deemed too much by Toon officials.
With the clock ticking on the January transfer window, Newcastle are yet to make a splash. Garang Kuol joined on the first of the month, but his move from Central Coast Mariners was pre-arranged.
Anthony Gordon looks like the most likely player to arrive at St James’ Park at the moment, with the 21-year-old keen on the move.
He would be a major signing for Newcastle, but the one the fans really want is Maddison. He is seen as a dream addition for a lot of supporters.
James Maddison could still leave Leicester amid Newcastle links
According to the Independent’s Miguel Delaney, Maddison is the player to watch in the remaining days of the transfer window.
In his weekly newsletter ‘Reading The Game’, Delaney writes: “If there’s one big deal left to be done in the last few days of this window, it is James Maddison.”
He adds: “Newcastle United have the longest-standing interest, but if there is a possibility of a purchase, it could create a late bidding war.”
While Delaney is not stating that Maddison is going to join Newcastle, he has hinted that there is still a chance that the 26-year-old could leave the King Power Stadium before Tuesday night’s transfer deadline.
If there is a chance that a deal could be done, you would have to imagine that Newcastle would be involved in the conversation, given how much they want to sign the attacking midfielder.
It would be a landmark deal for the Magpies, and could really put Howe’s side in the driving seat to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
It is purely speculation, but Delaney thinks there is still a chance that Maddison changes clubs between now and 11pm Tuesday night. Just imagine if it is Newcastle who swoop in…
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