Newcastle United target James Maddison wants to be playing regular European football to improve his England prospects amid rumours of interest from Eddie Howe’s side at St James’ Park, CBS reporter Ben Jacobs has told GiveMeSport.
The Leicester City attacking midfielder has been named as the Magpies’ top target according to transfer insider Dean Jones in an interview with GiveMeSport.
Newcastle United transfer news – James Maddison
Newcastle have been chasing the signature of Maddison since the summer, after having two bids of £40m+ rejected for his services due to the Foxes valuing the 26-year-old at a fee closer to £60m, as per Sky Sports.
The Foxes star has just 18 months remaining on his £110k-per-week deal at the King Power Stadium, meaning that this could be the last opportunity the East Midlands side has to cash in a substantial transfer fee.
The Athletic’s Chris Waugh has poured cold water on a Newcastle move for Maddison or club teammate Youri Tielemans this month, suggesting that whilst there is definite admiration for the pair from the north east, a move in January is unlikely at the time of writing.
And Jacobs has stated that he’s been told Maddison believes he is a Champions League player and that playing regular European football could see him get more on-pitch opportunities with England.
What has Jacobs said about Maddison?
When talking about a potential move to Newcastle for Maddison, Jacobs told GiveMeSport: “From Maddison's point of view, we also have to consider whether a mid-season move comes at the right time for him.
“He's coming back from this knee injury and he doesn't know what he's walking into.
“James Maddison sees himself as a Champions league footballer, and he believes, as I'm told, that Champions League football or at least regular European football will be the difference between being selected for England and not playing and being selected for England and playing.
“That's a key consideration for him ahead of the next Euros and the 2026 World Cup.”
Could Newcastle match Maddison’s aspirations?
In the short-term, a move to Newcastle would seem to suit Maddison’s aspirations of playing regular European football, with Howe’s side currently sitting third in the Premier League after 18 games, a position that would be enough to secure a spot in the Champions League group stages next season.
It remains to be seen as to whether the Magpies can sustain a challenge for a spot in Europe’s premier club competition for the remainder of the season, but with PIF having spent over £200m on transfers over the last two windows it seems that club certainly have ambitions of being regular competitors at the top-level for the long-term future.
And if Maddison was to make the switch from the King Power to St. James’ Park, it would certainly increase the Toon’s chances and the attacking midfielder’s prospects of playing at Europe’s top level next season.
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