Only time will tell if Newcastle United sign James Maddison this summer.
James Maddison, a Leicester City midfielder, had his final St James’ Park audition on Monday night, ahead of the summer transfer window.
The England international was part of the Leicester City team that achieved a goalless draw to extend their Premier League survival fight to the penultimate day, however his involvement was questioned.
Interim manager Dean Smith was forced to defend his decision to bench both Maddison and Harvey Barnes in favor of deploying five defenders.
“We decided to change it,” Smith said, according to Sky Sports. “We need to be more difficult to beat.” We needed to make a change because we needed a lot of goals to win the last two games. We choose a team that we believe is capable of competing.
“I had to think about it for a long time. When I was watching the (Newcastle) game against Brighton, the first two goals were set pieces, and I wished there was another centre-back in the lineup.
“They (Barnes and Maddison) handled it professionally. I want kids to feel unhappy if they don’t play, but I also want them to understand why.”
“They (Barnes and Maddison) handled it professionally. I want them to be disappointed if they don’t play, but I also want them to grasp the greater picture.
With the 26-year-old slated to depart Leicester at the conclusion of the season, regardless of level, time will tell whether the player’s next visit to St James’ Park will be in black and white or opposition colors.
Eddie Howe’s team had two bids for Maddison, whose contract expires in 2024, rejected last summer and continues to be interested.
However, whether United restart talks after clinching Champions League qualification remains to be seen. Newcastle are also unsure whether Maddison wants to transfer to Tyneside, with Arsenal apparently considering a bid for the former Norwich City player.
Leave a Reply