Tony Cascarino has claimed that James Maddison is a ‘very gifted’ footballer amid rumours that Newcastle United want to sign the Leicester City player this summer, as he told talkSPORT.
But the former striker added that recent history proves that Leicester have been ‘far more successful club’ than those from Newcastle in recent times – their Premier League and FA Cup win is proof of that.
After putting an initial £40 million on the table for Maddison, the Magpies aren’t stopping there because the latest rumours suggest that they have now submitted a bid of £45 million.
Either way, with less than a month remaining before the 2022 summer transfer window slams shut, those in the St James’ Park boardroom are pretty keen to land their man.
Given those rumours, Cascarino shared that Maddison has a big call to make with the ‘ambitious’ club looking to push forward ahead of the new Premier League season.
“Well, he had a great end to the season,” said Cascarino. “He had a very strange start to last season. He had a number of injuries, lost his place in the England squad and he didn’t quite get going.
“By the end of the season, he was playing really well for Leicester and he looked far fitter. And James Maddison is a very gifted footballer. Great on set-pieces. Great on assists and he can chip in with really terrific goals. And he was playing to that level.
“The one thing that interests me about this attempted move is Newcastle are going for an attacking midfielder. Joe Willock had done that role for Newcastle and he did it really well when he was on loan. Not quite so much when he was on the permanent.
“Newcastle have done some really good business? Would that get them over the line? I’m not so sure – Leicester have been a far more successful club than Newcastle in recent history, but it’s quite clear they are being very ambitious.”
STATMENT SIGNING FROM NEWCASTLE
If Newcastle can secure Maddison’s signature, then it would be a statement of intent from the European-chasing side.
Back in January, Bruno Guimarães secured a transfer to the club, in what was a statement purchase, perhaps alongside Kieran Trippier.
And it seems as though they want to drop another gem into this summer transfer market, with the new Premier League season around the corner.
It will be newly-promoted Nottingham Forest first up for Eddie Howe’s side, with Brendan Rodgers handed the test of welcoming Brentford to the King Power Stadium.
Both clubs will meet on Boxing Day, and by then, teams will be midway through the season, so which colours will Maddison be donning?
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