£45m isn’t such Mad money for an England star JOHNGIBSON
ALL of a sudden with the countdown to a spanking new season quickening the pulses Newcastle United are apparently operating in Big League territory.
Having been dormant for a short while in the transfer market, they are now being displayed as serious cheque book contenders for no less than five top Premier League stars.
Perhaps the most eye-catching move this week has been a second bid of £45m, which would be a club record, for Leicester’s playmaker James Maddison.
Significantly the 25-year-old is said to be open to joining, perhaps believing that, having won the Premier League title and FA Cup, Leicester’s days of fairytale are over while Newcastle’s may just be beginning.
Long-term target Jack Harrison (inset) was the subject of another offer – this time £33.5m – which Leeds turned down, though something a lot closer to £40m could probably open a locked door.
At the same time United have been strongly linked with a loan move for Chelsea’s German international striker Timo Werner, granting Burnley’s
Maxwel Cornet his wish to remain in the Premier
League, and toying with the thought of a plunge for Arsenal’s wide attacker
Pepe, who cost the Gunners a hefty club-record £72m back in 2019.
It is all intriguing because United definitely need more strength, creativity and firepower in attacking areas.
Maybe England international Maddison is not a centre-forward or a wide-raiding winger, which are positions United have been targeting, but he scored an incredible 18 goals and provided 12 assists in 53 appearances in all competitions last campaign.
Brother, could the Mags do with such dual figures from a single player.
I admire the pureness of Maddison’s vision and if United can overcome late interest which must come from within the socalled Big Six if it becomes apparent Leicester are selling then his arrival would genuinely excite me - proving Newcastle are ready to make the next step up.
Maybe the Foxes are strapped for cash but in my opinion Maddison is worth more than £45m and United may have to recognise that or forget their ambition.