A claim has emerged on Newcastle United and their chances of signing James Maddison during the January transfer window...
What's the talk?
Journalist Pete O'Rourke has claimed that the England international would seriously think about a switch to St. James' Park because of the project that Eddie Howe's side are a part of.
He told GIVEMESPORT: “We all know the financial backing they’re going to have now and in the future, so I think for all top players it’s going to be an attractive destination for them.
“I’m sure if they do follow up their interest in James Maddison, then it’d be something he would consider, seeing how exciting the project is at Newcastle right now.”
The Magpies attempted to sign the mercurial playmaker during the summer transfer window but did not meet Leicester's £60m valuation at the time and it now remains to be seen whether or not they will go back in with a renewed offer for the gem.
Joe Willock upgrade
Dan Ashworth could land Howe a big upgrade on Joe Willock in the middle of the park for Newcastle by securing a deal to sign the Foxes star this month, or in the summer.
Speaking on BT Sport, via the Daily Mail, earlier this season, former Manchester United and England centre-back Rio Ferdinand described Maddison's statistics for Leicester as "frightening" and it is difficult to disagree with his assessment.
The central midfielder has racked up seven goals and four assists in 13 Premier League outings this term, after managing 12 strikes and eight assists in 28 starts last season.
Maddison has averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.52 in the division in 2022/23 and created 2.4 chances per match for his teammates, whilst also putting in work off the ball by completing 2.6 tackles and interceptions per game.
Willock, meanwhile, has scored two and assisted two goals in 17 appearances in the top flight, whilst averaging a Sofascore rating of 6.86, and making 2.5 tackles and interceptions per outing for the Magpies.
He has created just one chance per game for his teammates and has been a solid performer in the middle of the park for Newcastle but Maddison's rather obscene statistics in the Premier League indicate that he would be a big upgrade on Howe's current midfielder.
The Leicester maestro's average performance level, his contributions at the top end of the pitch, and his work to win the ball back out of possession suggest that he is a top-quality player who could give the Magpies a boost by arriving at the club this month.