Declan Rice says he’s trying to learn from £80m star who Newcastle want
Newcastle United are all about signing the right characters as well as the right footballers, and that is why they have been so successful in the transfer market under Eddie Howe.
The Newcastle boss has made a real effort to bring in the right people, especially last season when we were fighting to avoid relegation from the Premier League.
That attitude will continue in the transfer market as the Magpies surge up the table, with Champions League football on the horizon. Big money will be spent this summer, but, as always, it will be spent wisely.
One position that Newcastle are looking to strengthen in his defence, with Howe keen to sign a right-sided centre-back.
Someone who has been tentatively linked with a move to St James’ Park is Harry Maguire. It has been reported that he could be a loan target for the Magpies, while pundit Stuart Pearce has suggested that he would be a wonderful signing.
That view will probably not be shared among fans, but another Newcastle target in Declan Rice has suggested why Maguire might have the right mentality to be a success at St James’ Park.
Declan Rice full of praise for ‘world class’ Harry Maguire
Rice has spoke to the Stadium Astro YouTube channel, and was asked how playing for England has helped him grow as a player.
“It’s incredible because you’re surrounded by world class players, world class leaders and a lot of captains for their clubs. The biggest clubs in England. So you have to take a little bit from them,” he said.
“Seeing Harry Kane close up, how he is a leader, Harry Maguire, how he is as a person and how he manages captaining Man United and the expectations. It’s one I’m trying to learn from each person.”
Newcastle rumours unlikely to end in SJP switch for Maguire
Rice speaks very highly of Maguire, and is doing his best to learn from him and the other captains that represent England. That is a testament to the £80million defender’s ability with the armband, and is something for Newcastle to consider if they do decide to make a move.
However, talk of Maguire moving to St James’ Park feels farfetched – like a lot of the rumours involving the Magpies ever since the change of ownership.
He probably could breath new life into his career by swapping Manchester United for Newcastle United, but he is not what Howe needs. The main issue is his age, as he is currently 30-years-old. Whoever the Magpies sign will be much younger, with the idea that they will be Fabian Schar’s long-term replacement.
Maguire does not fall into that category. In truth, a move to Rice’s side West Ham feels much more realistic.
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