Pundit issues ‘massive’ Newcastle United claim after source’s James Maddison reveal
Alan Hutton has insisted it will take a “massive fee” for Newcastle United to secure James Maddison’s signature.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Tottenham and Aston Villa right-back suggested Leicester City might not even be willing to sell Maddison.
On 30 December, sources told this site that the 26-year-old and Christian Pulisic are on the Magpies shopping list this month.
Eddie Howe’s side attempted to sign Maddison in the summer but despite tabling offers of over £40million, the England international stayed at the King Power Stadium.
The midfielder is out of contract in the summer of 2024 and his future at the club in major doubt.
The north-east giants are eager to try and strike deals with both Maddison and Pulisic to join this month but are happy to wait until the summer if needed.
Last month (9 December), this site also revealed that his current club have slapped a £60million price tag on their star player to try and put off Howe’s side.
Hutton suggested Maddison is Newcastle’s top target in the winter window.
“I think Newcastle as a team would prefer Maddison to come through the door,” he told Football Insider.
“I think he gives you something different from what they have already got.
“But the fee is going to be massive. You are talking £50 or £60million plus. It is going to be huge. Are Leicester willing to sell at this moment in time? I am not so sure.“
In other news, a pundit has backed Eddie Howe after ‘bizarre’ Newcastle United development this week.