Newcastle United want James Maddison and Alan Shearer would seemingly support a big move for the Leicester City star.
Whilst Newcastle have been targeting a striker and a winger in recent weeks, Eddie Howe could end up with a new playmaker.
Many fans would have expected Lyon star Lucas Paqueta to be the top target if Newcastle made a move for a new number 10.
Instead though, Newcastle are looking closer to home rather than going for Bruno Guimaraes’ best friend.
Newcastle United want James Maddison
Leicester star Maddison has become a prime target after Newcastle launched a big move for him over the weekend.
Newcastle allegedly offered £40million for Maddison, but that offer was rejected with Leicester instead chasing around £60million.
Newcastle are returning with more offers for Maddison though with the Magpies seemingly desperate to bring him to St James’ Park.
Maddison, 25, racked up 18 goals and 12 assists in a superb campaign last season – one which didn’t quite receive the praise it deserved.
England honours continue to elude Maddison but Newcastle don’t care; they think Maddison is worth big money.
One man who is likely to agree with that verdict is Alan Shearer, whose opinion carries a lot of weight around Newcastle.
Shearer has previously raved about Maddison, particularly highlighting him after Leicester City’s 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur in 2019.
Maddison scored a superb goal in that win and Shearer suggested that defenders just hate playing against the former Norwich City man because they can’t touch him.
Shearer hailed Maddison’s ability to ghost past defenders on either foot as well as his ability to play defence-splitting passes, seemingly believing that he is a dream for strikers to play alongside.
“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,” he added.
Callum Wilson would certainly thrive ahead of Maddison and Shearer would surely love to see him pulling on the famous black and white stripes.
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