Report: Newcastle will make formal approach for attacker Shearer says 'passes and moves very well'

By Giuseppe Labellarte

Newcastle United have been heavily linked with Leicester City’s James Maddison in recent months.

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

Chronicle Live, meanwhile, said Maddison’s World Cup teammates were talking Newcastle up to him in Qatar.

Now, the Northern Echo has reported that Newcastle will make a formal approach for the 26-year-old in January.

Leicester rejected at least two offers for Maddison from the Magpies, wrote the outlet.

However, with Maddison’s contractual situation still uncertain, Newcastle may fancy their chances next month.

Maddison and his representatives have refused to sign the contract offer that has been on the table since the start of the season.

This means Leicester could opt to cash in next month before the midfielder’s value begins to drop as he approaches the final year of his deal.

Shearer a fan of Maddison

Newcastle legend Alan Shearer has previously raved about Maddison, singling him out for praise after City’s 2-1 win over Tottenham in 2019.

Maddison scored a great goal on the day. And Shearer suggested that defenders hate playing against him because they can’t touch him.

“He’s got quick feet, defenders don’t like him when he’s in that position [just outside the area]. Left foot, right foot, he goes past them with ease. They can’t touch him,” said Shearer.

“He passes and moves very well. He can sense danger and likes to run in behind. Defenders don’t like that and midfielders don’t like chasing him.

“When you have someone who does this [plays defence-splitting passes] for a forward it makes your job so much easier.”

A superb player but Newcastle won’t pay over the odds – TBR View

Maddison 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 – currently injured – has seven goals and four assists from just 13 league appearances this term.

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

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

His talent, age and current club situation (a contract expiring in 2024 at a mid-table / relegation-battling club) mean he shouldn’t be out of Newcastle’s reach.

However, the Magpies have made it clear many times that they won’t be paying premiums just because of PIF’s wealth.

Maddison is reportedly valued at £60million, so it remains to be seen whether the Magpies are willing to go that high.