Newcastle United’s hopes of signing Kieran Tierney and James Maddison appear to be dwindling.
Speaking exclusively to NUFC Blog, Football Transfers correspondent Steve Kay has revealed that talks over Tierney’s future at Arsenal are ‘progressing well’, with Mikel Arteta keen to keep the Scottish international at the Emirates.
Newcastle are also refusing to pay upwards of £30m for a player with his injury record, while the player himself will not push for a move.
On Tierney, Steve said: “Arteta has always wanted him to stay. That’s never been in question. He’s got two years on his contract and Arsenal are building a squad for the Champions League next season.
“Arteta would reluctantly allow him to leave if he’s no longer on board, but they’ve held talks recently over his future and I’m told those talks have progressed well. Tierney won’t force a move and he’s looking more likely to stay, with his game time expected to increase now Arsenal will be competing on four fronts next season.
“Arteta is also considering using a back three at times next season. Again, this increases Tierney’s route to game time, as he has experience slotting in as a left-sided centre-back for Scotland.
“Tierney will still have a decision to make, but Newcastle are reluctant to pay big money for a player with his injury record. Arsenal won’t let him go for less than £35m, so it’s looking increasingly unlikely that he’ll end up on Tyneside, as things stand.”
As for James Maddison, it seems agent links have played a key role in his potential move to Spurs, with the 26-year-old represented by CAA Base – the same agency that look after new boss Ange Postecolgou.
On Maddison, Steve added: “Someone I spoke to at the England camp said he was leaning towards Spurs, but there’s a few factors behind that.
“Spurs have moved quickly and sit in a strong position, as new manager Ange Postecoglou is represented by the same agency that look after Maddison, CAA Base. That connection enabled talks to take place between the player and Postecoglou; who has impressed.
“As soon as Postecoglou was appointed, he wanted to hold talks with Maddison straight away and the agency link allowed that meeting to take place very quickly and the deal to progress.”
