‘Told me’: Newcastle could really struggle to sign ‘extraordinary’ player in January – journalist

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Newcastle United could struggle to sign Leicester City midfielder James Maddison in January, according to CBS journalist Ben Jacobs on GiveMeSport.

Over the summer, the Magpies were credited with strong interest in the 26-year-old.

After an initial push-back, the Toon returned with a £50m offer for the England international, which the Foxes also rejected.

It was then reported that the Midlands club were looking for £60m to sanction the move.

The Northern Echo recently reported Maddison still remains a top target for Eddie Howe ahead of the January window.

However, Jacobs believes it will be difficult to secure this signing before the summer.

“Sources told me that Maddison would rather wait until the end of the season and Leicester are not ruling out a new deal either,” the CBS reporter said.

“But from Maddison’s point of view, the reason why he would rather wait is because he wants to know what he’s getting and right now if London’s the preference, and Tottenham and or, more loosely, Chelsea are looking at him, neither of those two clubs can categorically guarantee that they’re heading towards Champions League football for sure next season and Newcastle are in a better form position, but again, who knows whether they’re going to get over the line and get Champions League football.

“So, if James Maddison decides in January, then he is gambling to some extent on who he’s joining in qualifying for the Champions League.

“If James Maddison does a full season at Leicester and then does want to leave, then not only does he have longer to navigate that move during the summer, but he’ll have absolute clarity on what he’s walking into in terms of Champions League football, and he’ll have a full pre-season to work with that new squad, rather than World Cup fatigue and then moving mid-season.

“So, I do sense that unless a massive offer is made, Newcastle will struggle to get James Maddison in January.”

Newcastle will struggle to sign Maddison in January

Whilst this will come as an inconvenience, the fact that Miguel Almiron has been in sensational form this term will alleviate his delayed arrival.

The Paraguayan winger has incredibly netted eight goals in 15 Premier League appearances this season, just about trumping Maddison’s equally impressive seven goals in 13 matches.

The Englishman, on the other hand, adds more than just goals to his side. His creative footwork and keen eye for a defence-splitting pass make him a dangerous playmaker. This is illustrated by his ranking in the top 18 percent for assists made, for which he has earned comparisons to Chelsea’s Mason Mount.

Maddison is currently out in Qatar with the Three Lions squad, mixing with Toon stars Nick Pope, Kieran Trippier and Callum Wilson. Hopefully they can put in a good word about the club, instilling the idea of a move to St James’ Park in his head, ahead of the summer window.

As hailed by England boss Gareth Southgate, Maddison is an ‘exceptional’ player who would be a fantastic addition to the squad on Tyneside.