'It could be Newcastle': Journalist backs Magpies to potentially sign £60m World Cup attacker

By Giuseppe Labellarte

Newcastle United have been linked with England international James Maddison in recent months.

The Northern Echo recently claimed that the Magpies have put the Leicester City star at the top of their January wishlist.

Newcastle have gone from strength to strength in 2022, going from Premier League relegation battlers to Champions League qualification hopefuls.

With the January transfer window looming, the Magpies hierarchy could well look to bring in more shrewd reinforcements.

There probably won’t be many signings more shrewd than Maddison.

He has been one of the most sought-after Premier League players of the last few transfer windows.

Indeed, he forced his way into Gareth Southgate’s England plans for the World Cup thanks to his dazzling form.

Maddison has seven goals and four assists from just 13 league appearances this term,

His heroics have helped Leicester pull away from the bottom three, and they’re now in 13th in the table.

Newcastle could be ‘very attractive destination’

Gianluca Di Marzio, speaking to Soccernews, was asked about Premier League interest in Maddison.

The Italian journalist reckons the Magpies are a plausible destination, but would probably have to wait until the summer.

‘I think he will transfer in the coming summer because it is very difficult to make deals in the January window,’ said Di Marzio.

‘It could be Newcastle, but that just depends: will they secure a Champions League ticket? If they do, it would be a very attractive destination.’

Maddison would be a superb acquisition for Newcastle, a versatile player who can feature as a playmaker, winger and second striker.

This season, he has mostly been playing in attacking positions for the Foxes, and has been thriving.

There have been reports suggesting Maddison has a £60million price tag. While not cheap, he seems worth it.