Newcastle still keen on Maddison signing

Newcastle United have made Leicester City midfielder James Maddison a ‘priority transfer target’ this summer, according to a fresh report.

The Lowdown: Maddison linked with Newcastle

The Magpies picked up a 2-1 victory away to Nottingham Forest on Friday evening – one that could be so huge in the race for Champions League football.

Qualifying for Europe’s biggest club competition would be a massive achievement for Eddie Howe‘s side, giving them even more chance of signing top players moving forward.

It looks set to be a busy summer transfer window at Newcastle regardless of their league position, but the lure of the Champions League can never be downplayed.

One player who has been linked with a move to St James’ Park recently is Maddison, who is enjoying another strong season for Leicester, scoring nine goals and registering five assists in the Premier League.

The 26-year-old is out of contract with the Foxes at the end of next season and he may feel that a new challenge is required once the current campaign comes to a close.

The Latest: Magpies still keen

According to the i, Newcastle remain interested in snapping up Maddison this summer, as they plan to ‘resurrect their interest’ in the Englishman – it’s also claimed in the headline that Howe’s side have made him a ‘priority transfer target’.

The player himself is currently ‘considering his options’ and he is ‘unlikely to sign a new deal’ with Leicester, ahead of a transfer window where he may have numerous suitors.

The Verdict: Perfect summer signing

Maddison could be an outstanding signing by Newcastle, coming in as the type of player who can take them to that next level, in terms of creativity and match-changing ability.

The one-cap England international has now scored 54 goals and registered 37 assists for Leicester – 42 and 30 in the Premier League, respectively – while Danny Murphy has described him as a ‘Champions League player’, such is his ability.

At times, Newcastle have been lacking genuine class in an attacking sense this season, only scoring 39 times in 26 league matches, and Maddison is someone who could make Howe’s team so much more potent in that area.

He possesses unpredictability in a No.10 and an ability to open up defences, meaning he could link brilliantly with Alexander Isak in front of him, as well as Bruno Guimaraes in the midfield.

At 26, Maddison is coming right into his prime years – he and Newcastle could be a match made in heaven, bringing the best out of each other and allowing the Magpies to start the 2023/24 campaign as an even greater force.