Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Group B - Wales v England - Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan, Qatar - November 29, 2022 England's Callum Wilson and James Maddison on the pitch before the match REUTERS/Hannah Mckay
Former Premier League striker and now talkSPORT pundit Gabby Agbonlahor has backed Newcastle United in their potential move for James Maddison.
The Lowdown: Maddison targeted by Newcastle
It has been widely reported that 26-year-old is a target for the St James’ Park outfit ahead of the January transfer window. However, it looks unlikely that they will sign him in the winter, and instead could wait until the end of the season to make their move.
Maddison is currently with the England squad ahead of their World Cup quarter-final showdown against reigning champions France next weekend, but he has not yet made an appearance in Qatar after nursing a knee injury in the first two games of the competition (Transfermarkt).
The Latest: Maddison move backed
Speaking to Football Insider, Agbonlahor has claimed that Maddison would be a ‘perfect’ signing for Newcastle.
The 36-year-old stated: “James Maddison would be perfect for Newcastle. I think he suits what they are about and would fit nicely into that team. Maddison would be perfect.”
The Verdict: Push in January
Even though a deal looks unlikely to be done until at least the summer, the Tynesiders should still be pushing for a January move for Maddison.
The attacking midfielder has been a shining light in a Leicester City side which has struggled at times this season, and sit in the bottom half of the Premier League table.
He has scored seven goals, supplied four assists and picked up three man-of-the-match awards, which has seen him ranked as the Foxes’ best-performing player in the top flight (WhoScored).
Lauded as a “‘monster” by journalist Josh Bunting, his performances rightfully earned him a call-up for the Three Lions for the World Cup, and signing him in January could well make the difference as to whether or not Newcastle qualify for the Champions League by the end of the campaign.
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