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Chris Knight

James Maddison transfer prediction as Newcastle warned on rival interest for 'perfect' signing

Newcastle United must prepare for rival transfer interest from Arsenal and 'a lot of clubs' if they revisit a move for James Maddison this summer. That is the view of Stan Collymore, with the pundit confident the Leicester City playmaker would be a 'perfect' signing for the Magpies.

Newcastle failed with two approaches for Maddison last summer, with the attacking midfielder closing in on the final year of his contract with the Foxes. Injury has derailed the 26-year-old's season since the World Cup break, but the transfer target began the campaign in fine form despite Leicester's struggles.

Maddison's contract status will almost certainly attract the attention of Newcastle again in the upcoming window, with reports suggesting the former Norwich City star has shown no interest in extending his deal at the King Power Stadium. Collymore feels Maddison is the 'type of player' the Magpies are currently missing, and is convinced the attacking midfielder would 'thrive' on Tyneside under the tutelage of Eddie Howe.

READ MORE: Daniel Levy statement hints at Newcastle transfer conundrum amid Eddie Howe's FFP warning

However, the pundit also believes Arsenal's form this season and the demands of a likely Champions League campaign next term could lead Mikel Arteta to make a move. Manchester City have also been linked with Maddison in recent weeks, with the Leicester playmaker certain to be a man in demand this summer.

He told Caught Offside: “I wonder if Mike Arteta’s Arsenal may think about signing him too though. They’re almost guaranteed to be in the Champions League next season so they’ll want options and providing Martin Odegaard with competition could be key to the Norwegian going from strength to strength.

“I think Arteta would welcome a player as confident as Maddison coming in as well. His personality is a bit like Marmite – he’s a player you either love or hate and there’s been a few instances in the past where his behaviour has been questioned so his future will depend on his attitude now, which does seem to have improved.

“The biggest area he needs to work on now is his level of consistency. He’s never really had a solid season from start to finish, but if he can string together a good second half of the campaign and be instrumental in the Foxes staying up, then I’m sure a lot of clubs, including Newcastle and Arsenal, will be in for him come the summer window.”

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