Harry Redknapp has raved about reported Newcastle United target and Leicester City attacking midfielder James Maddison in The Sun.
The former Tottenham Hotspur manager has said that Maddison, linked with a move to Newcastle from Premier League rivals Leicester in the January transfer window, is a very clever player and is one of his favourite footballers.
Redknapp made the comments about the 25-year-old playmaker while discussing his chances of playing for England at the 2022 World Cup finals in Qatar.
England head coach Gareth Southgate will announce his World Cup squad on Thursday.
CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs told Give Me Sport this week that Newcastle wanted to sign Maddison in the summer transfer window and “are prepared to pay above valuation” for the England international attacking midfielder in January.
Maddison has scored six goals and provided four assists in 12 Premier League appearances for Leicester so far this season.
The 25-year-old playmaker scored 12 goals and gave eight assists in 28 league starts for the Foxes last season.
Harry Redknapp on Newcastle United target and Leicester City star James Maddison
Redknapp wrote: “As a manager, I always loved exciting, attacking players who can do the unexpected. Footballers with a touch of the artist within.
“It’s why I am such a huge fan of James Maddison. Him and Jack Grealish are two of my favourite midfielders. But Maddison, in particular, I feel especially sorry for. He is playing well in a struggling team this season at Leicester.
“Six league strikes tells you he still has his eye for a goal and his drive for the team is impressive. In any other country, a player like Maddison would be on the plane to the World Cup without a moment’s hesitation.
“He is a clever player but, unfortunately for him, there are a lot of them around at present. Grealish, Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka, Mason Mount – not all exactly the same, but all players who can unlock opposition teams.”
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