UNAI EMERY has been urged to throw down the gauntlet to Tottenham and Newcastle by bidding for England midfielder James Maddison.
Aston Villa’s European Cup-winning legend Gary Shaw wants his former club to lay down a marker to prove they are serious challengers for a top-four place next season.
England ace James Maddison has many Prem admirers after Leicester’s demotion
Shaw told SunSport: “I’d love to see Villa get in first and have a real go for Maddison.
“We’re in the same bracket as Spurs and Newcastle, looking to strengthen and challenge for a Champions League spot in the new season.
“Maddison would be a brilliant addition — he’s the kind of flair player Villa fans have been longing for since Jack Grealish left for Manchester City.
“Even in a season when he’s been hit by injury, and his club was relegated, Maddison’s personal form was really good.
“He’s a current England international, he’s from the Midlands so why shouldn’t Villa go out and get him?”
Villa boss Emery has already raided Maddison’s relegated Leicester to land Youri Tielemans for free after the Belgium star’s contract expired.
Shaw added: “Tielemans is a useful signing — and I wouldn’t mind if he had a word and invited his mate Maddison to come and join him at Villa.
“There is no way an England international is going to want to be in the Championship.
“Villa’s owners have serious dough and they’ve saved on a big transfer fee for Tielemans, so why not use that money to push out the boat and get Maddison?
“We can offer him European football next season, which Spurs can’t.
“I’ve also seen Harvey Barnes linked with a move to Villa. Why not?
“We need to add a good wide player and Barnes fits the bill.”
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