Eddie Howe hopes targets see that Newcastle United is a 'great place to play football' as James Maddison prepares to come to a rocking St James' Park with Leicester City on Monday night.
Newcastle had multiple bids for Maddison turned down by Leicester last summer when a senior source at the King Power Stadium told ChronicleLive that 'he's not for sale'. However, Maddison is now approaching the final year of his contract and the attacking midfielder looks set to leave - regardless of whether the relegation-threatened Foxes stay up or not.
Maddison already has an idea about life at Newcastle, having played at St James' on a number of occasions, and the England international previously revealed that Callum Wilson, Nick Pope and Kieran Trippier had 'a bit of banter' with him about the 'speculation' during the World Cup. Wilson has even gone as far as to say that his former Coventry City team-mate 'deserves an opportunity' to move to a 'bigger club'.
READ MORE: Anthony Gordon's behind the scenes reaction gives Newcastle hope before summer 'game-changer'
You can be sure Maddison kept an eye on Newcastle's progress since then after Howe's team moved within a win of qualifying for the Champions League following a 4-1 victory against Brighton. Howe was asked if those jubilant scenes at St James' on Thursday night could help sell the club to targets this summer with Maddison's team-mate, Harvey Barnes, another player who is liked by Newcastle.
"I'm sure it helps," the Newcastle boss told reporters. "When people are watching that game, wherever they are in the world, they are seeing an incredible spectacle and they are sampling the St James' Park atmosphere and feeling.
"You can see the togetherness of the whole club. Hopefully they are seeing a team perform well and see that Newcastle is a great place to play football at the moment."
READ NEXT
Newcastle send ominous message to Liverpool, Eddie Howe's staff go wild and luxury added bonus
Newcastle send out statement to Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher as chants pay off - 5 things
Leeds face nervous wait as FA vow to take 'action' after Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is confronted
Newcastle's 'unreal' stadium prospect as Brighton sent 'we will lose' warning by own manager
Eddie Howe sends message that will give Newcastle hope and why he's really watching Liverpool
