‘Anything can happen’ - Chelsea boss gives Newcastle United hope amid £40m links
Enzo Maresca spoke candidly about Chelsea winger Noni Madueke - linked with a potential Newcastle united move
Enzo Maresca admitted he “really likes” Noni Madueke but claimed “anything can happen” before the August 31 deadline.
Newcastle United are reportedly interested in the Chelsea winger, who came off the bench to score against Swiss side Servette last night. Signing Joao Felix and Pedro Neto has blocked Madueke’s first-team opportunities but he was given a chance in the Conference League.
Various sources claim the Magpies could strike a deal akin to how Lewis Hall moved to Tyneside a year ago. The left-back initially signed on loan, with an obligation to buy the following summer for FFP/PSR purposes.
Newcastle had a right-sided attacker on their wish list but funds are tight and, until now, centre-back has been the priority. Toon chiefs are still locked in negotiations with Crystal Palace over England international Marc Guehi.
However, the next week, further transfer activity could be seen as Chelsea boss Maresca refused to rule out Madueke’s departure. He did, however, send a warning about the 22-year-old’s efforts in training.
“I really like Noni,” Maresca said post-match. “The only problem is that he has to understand that he has to be consistent during the week in training. He’s a good player and he’s doing well with us.
“Yeah absolutely. But the reality is until the window closes, anything can happen. But for sure Noni is the kind of player that I like. We have so many games.
“If it’s to today it will be the next one, or the next one. Noni, I like him. He’s doing well since he started with us.”