Newcastle United are preparing to make a swoop for Sunderland youngster Josh Maja this summer. According to recent reports, the Magpies are ready to pounce on the English starlet’s signature when the transfer window opens in the summer. It is believed that Rafael Benitez’s side has already sent scouts to catch him in action with his future up in smokes at the Stadium of Light.
Some sources are now claiming that the Newcastle United are keeping tabs on his development in the Skybet Championship ahead of a potential move in the summer. Maja’s contract with the Black Cats runs out at the end of the season. He will become a free agent in the summer which could pave the way for a switch to St. James Park in the off-season. However, Sunderland remains hopeful that the youngster will pen a new, long-term deal to extend his stay at the Stadium of Light. The 19-year-old has featured in 20 matches for the Tyneside outfit this season, scoring one goal in all competitions.
The Black Cats manager Chris Coleman reckons that a move in the summer for Maja will hamper his development as he will most likely end up playing at the Under 23 level. Coleman’s team are in real danger of being relegated to the League One at the end of the campaign so Maja will surely get more first-team opportunities next term.
The Magpies are currently sitting in the 10th place in the league table with a tally of 38 points after playing 32 league matches. Benitez has managed to steer his side away from the relegation zone going into the final few matches of the campaign.
The addition of Maja will undoubtedly bolster Benitez’s attacking options in the future but for now, he needs to grow and develop his game by playing regular football at the top level. Newcastle United have the likes of Dwight Gayle, Ayoze Perez, Joselu and Callum Roberts vying for a place in the Toon first-team. The potential signing of Maja will definitely add more competition for places in their squad.
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At 19, Maja still has a long time to develop his game and become a future star in English football. It remains to be seen what lies ahead in the future of Maja and whether he ends up making a switch to the Premier League in the near future.
