Newcastle United would still like to sign James Maddison as someone to provide more attacking quality this month, according to CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs.
The Lowdown: Maddison linked with Newcastle
The Magpies could well make new signings during the January transfer window, with Saturday’s FA Cup defeat to Sheffield Wednesday highlighting their lack of genuine squad depth.
Maddison is a player who has been linked with a move to St James’ Park numerous times in recent months, with multiple bids last summer being rejected, the playmaker having stood out as by far Leicester’s best player this season according to WhoScored performance metrics.
The 26-year-old has registered 11 goal contributions (seven goals and four assists) in 13 Premier League appearances at this stage in 2022/23, a greater tally than anyone at Newcastle and second only to Miguel Almiron for goals scored.
The Latest: Journalist talks up Maddison links
Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jacobs said that Maddison remains the type of player who Newcastle need to target this month.
He stated:
“They would still like to add a little bit more support and somebody that can share in the contribution of goals. Therefore, that opens up the door to players like James Maddison, who we know that Newcastle bid for last summer.
“They put down an offer somewhere in the region of £45m and Leicester were having none of it.”
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The Verdict: Perfect January signing
Newcastle are enjoying a superb season, despite their surprise FA Cup exit, but a lack of firepower has been an issue, with only Almiron and Callum Wilson scoring more than three league goals for them at roughly the halfway stage of the campaign.
Maddison could be the perfect signing to make the Magpies a more threatening proposition in the final third, creating chances for team-mates and also scoring a few goals of his own.
He already has 40 goals and 29 assists in the Premier League and has been hailed as a “genius” by BBC presenter Rob Butler, showing that he has proven quality in the top flight. You would imagine that he could flourish even more with better players around him such as Bruno Guimaraes and Alexander Isak.
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