James Maddison is set to leave Leicester and more likely to sign for Newcastle than Tottenham this summer with Eddie Howe a huge influence, according to Shay Given.
Maddison, 26, is set to leave the Foxes this summer after five years at King Power Stadium. He moved to the East Midlands in the summer of 2018 and has made 203 appearances in all competitions, scoring 55 goals. But with Leicester suffering relegation to the Championship, it is inevitable that he will seek pastures new.
The Coventry-born ace has been capped twice by England. Many pundits feel he should have seen more international game time over the years and that might happen with a change of club.
The former Coventry City schemer enjoyed a decent campaign despite Leicester’s woes.
He bagged ten goals from 30 top-flight outings but was powerless to prevent the club slipping into the second tier.
Newcastle have long been linked with the star. They are thought to have tabled a bid in the January transfer window.
However, the Foxes refused to play ball as they were embroiled in a relegation battle.
That did not end as planned and Maddison will now exit over the summer.
It is thought the north-east outfit are still keen. However, Tottenham recently entered the picture following the appointment of Ange Postecoglou as manager.
The north Londoners need an injection of quality in the centre of the park and Maddison fits the bill.
Spurs endured a dreadful campaign, finishing eighth, 11 points behind Newcastle. And it seems as though the talented schemer would prefer a move north.
Newcastle bossing race for Maddison
The Daily Mail are suggesting that Newcastle still see Maddison as their number one midfield target this summer.
The report adds that the former Aberdeen loan man is ‘warming’ to the idea of playing at St James’ Park.
And it is said that working under coach Eddie Howe is a ‘key attraction’ for the player.
It is unclear whether other clubs will show their hand as the transfer window progresses.
But, for now, it appears as though the top-flight pair are in a straight race for his signature.
Given played 354 Premier League games for the Magpies. And the ex-Republic of Ireland keeper feels the FA Cup winner would benefit from a move to Tyneside.
“Yeah, 100%. Maddison would fit in brilliantly to the Newcastle setup, obviously Eddie Howe has done an unbelievable job,” he told talkSPORT.
“I think he would get coached really, really well with Howe as well.”
Former Arsenal star Ray Parlour suggested that he would also fit in at Spurs but confessed that a lack of Champions League football is an issue.
Given concurred, adding: “Ray hits the nail on the head. Newcastle are Champions League this year, different league, come on, get with the programme.”
The Newcastle board have made it clear they will back Howe financially this summer.
And it is thought they will need to part with £50m to land Maddison.
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