Transfer insider, Dean Jones has been talking to GIVEMESPORT about Newcastle’s January plans.
While we now know a bit more around the circumstances behind Newcastle’s chase of Leicester’s James Maddison in the summer, it is strongly believed that the Magpies will revisit a deal for the goalscoring midfielder in the winter transfer window.
Another player who was strongly linked with a move to Newcastle in the summer was Bayer Leverkusen’s Moussa Diaby. Much like the situation with Maddison, Newcastle approached with an offer of £40m, told to cough up £60m and the player stayed put.
You Choose: Maddison or Diaby?
James Maddison
Moussa Diaby
Also, much like with Maddison and Leicester, Bayer Leverkusen had made a poor start to their campaign. Whereas Maddison has been the standout performer for Leicester, Diaby is having a much quieter start to the 2022/23 season having only managed to rack up three goal contributions in 10 games this season.
As for whether Newcastle will look to bring the Frenchman to Tyneside in the winter, Jones said: “So, whether it was somebody like James Maddison, who we’ve seen at Leicester, even though they’re having such a poor season; he’s been a standout player in the league.
“Or whether it’s Diaby, who is capable of some real magic, I do think that Newcastle will explore those sorts of avenues.”
Personally, I’d go for Maddison. He knows the league and is apparently interested in joining. Diaby seems a bit flakey and unsure of what he wants. He said he was happy to stay at Leverkusen then when the season started poorly he started to get itchy feet. That combined with his poor form means I’m definitely leaning more towards Maddison for the Toon.
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