Paul Merson says if Newcastle United want Tottenham Hotspur transfer target James Maddison ‘that badly’, then they will sign the Leicester City playmaker during the January window.
The former double-winner added how Eddie Howe’s side, compared to the summer, are now in a position to lure players of Maddison to Newcastle during the winter transfer window.
The England international has had an outstanding season so far, scoring seven goals and supplying four assists from 13 Premier League games, which resulted in him earning a World Cup call.
Injury played a part in him not getting any minutes, but for those clubs that want to sign him, it’s probably a good sign because his transfer fee hasn’t been inflated, or so they will hope.
But with the Magpies flying high and talk of Maddison’s future, Merson thinks if PIF really want the 26-year-old, then he will leave, as he told Soccer Special on Sky Sports.
“If Newcastle want him that badly and they think it’s a big part, then I think he will be gone in January,” said Merson.
“I don’t think Leicester will mess about and wait. I think they will be well safe. If Newcastle want him that badly.
“Now Newcastle are in a position in the Premier League (to attract Maddison). They have a chance, for me, this is the time.”
MADDISON JANUARY TRANSFER WINDOW
Tottenham probably need a Maddison more than Newcastle because of their lack of creative talent in the middle of the park, that’s why Antonio Conte is keen on the £60 million star.
For Maddison, he is better off waiting until the season is over before making his move because that’s when he can join a Champions League team.
At this moment in time, it looks like Newcastle will secure that top-four spot, but they could easily fade away during the second half of the campaign.
And someone of Maddison’s talents deserves to be playing Champions League football now.
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