Liverpool interest in Newcastle United star ‘confirmed’ as James Maddison transfer backed

Newcastle United are now putting plans in place for the summer with their season all wrapped up.

The Magpies secured a Champions League spot this term and will return to the top European competition for the first time in more than two decades. Eddie Howe and his men defied expectations, and they will want to do it again next season, likely aiming to secure another top four finish while making a good run in the Champions League.

In the meantime, and as players head off on international duty, and others on holiday, we have rounded up all the latest news surrounding St James’ Park.

Maddison move backed

Arsenal legend Ian Wright has backed James Maddison to move to Newcastle this summer following Leicester’s relegation.

“[James] Maddison - going to a place like Newcastle, with his energy, he goes somewhere else because that is what’s he about. He’s about those fans and entertainment,” he said on Wrighty’s House.

“You look at him with his talent and you can see that when you put him in a team with a front man with great movement. The passes that Maddison will find him with, because he’s so talented. I’d love to see him in a team that can transition. You can see someone like him, he can lead the transitional part and he can play out in the right team.

“You can see him at Newcastle, you can see him with a young Harry Kane and Son [Heung-min]. That’s the kind of people he needs to be around.”

Guimaraes interest

Liverpool are said to be interested in Newcastle star Bruno Guimaraes.

Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano said on his podcast: “There are many things, I wanted to start today with Newcastle. Congrats to Newcastle as they are playing Champions League football next season. Newcastle want to offer a new deal to Bruno Guimaraes because they know that big clubs around Europe are tracking the player.

“It is true that Liverpool like the player, but they know a deal will be almost impossible this summer, the same with Barcelona, but it will be very complicated to sign Bruno Guimaraes this summer.”