Eddie Howe lauds “outstanding” £40m Tottenham player, but admits he never came ‘close’ to signing for Newcastle
Newcastle United will come up against James Maddison for the first time since the England international completed his £40m move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last summer, and Eddie Howe has revealed he is an “outstanding talent”.
Maddison on Newcastle’s radar for years
It is no secret that Maddison had previously been on Newcastle’s radar and ChronicleLive understands the England international told his former Leicester team-mates that St James’ Park was ‘one of the best stadiums to play at’. Ayoze Perez even thought the move was ‘very likely to happen’ at one stage.
Newcastle had multiple bids for Maddison turned down in 2022 – former boss Brendan Rodgers said the mooted fees would only cover ‘three quarters of his left leg’ – while the Magpies were also heavily linked with the attacking midfielder a year later before his switch to Spurs.
Howe: Maddison is an ‘outstanding talent’
“I don’t think he was ever close in the literal sense of coming here, but he’s a player that I’ve admired for many years,” the Newcastle boss told reporters. “He’s outstanding. I watched him play for Coventry many years ago and liked him straight away.
“He’s never come close to signing for me but, regardless of that, he’s a player I think is an outstanding talent and, when he’s been fit, he’s really excelled with Ange’s style. He’s certainly a player we are going to have to keep quiet.”
Maddison enjoying life at Spurs
Maddison has impressed since making the move to north London, scoring eight goals and registering five assists in all competitions this season. He has quickly become a key player for Antonio Conte’s side.
The 26-year-old will be hoping to continue his good form when Tottenham travel to St James’ Park on Saturday. It will be a tough test for Howe’s side, but they will be confident of getting a result against a team that has been inconsistent this season.
Newcastle vs Tottenham: Team News
Newcastle will be without the suspended Bruno Guimaraes for the visit of Tottenham. The Brazilian midfielder is serving a three-match ban following his red card against Southampton.
Tottenham will be without the injured Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma. Richarlison is also a doubt for the game.
Predicted Lineups
Newcastle: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Longstaff, Joelinton; Almiron, Willock, Saint-Maximin; Wilson
Tottenham: Lloris; Romero, Dier, Davies; Emerson, Skipp, Hojbjerg, Perisic; Kulusevski, Kane, Son
also read:Joe Willock to Miss Clash Against Tottenham Due to Achilles Issue: Injury Update Revealed by Newcastle Manager
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