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Chris Knight

Transfer target backed by Newcastle ally releases 'devastated' statement and accepts blame

James Maddison admits he has been left 'devastated' by Leicester City's relegation as Newcastle United mull over revisiting their interest. The Foxes playmaker enjoyed another fine campaign on a personal level, but was unable to prevent their demotion to the Championship.

Maddison is set to enter the final year of his contract at the King Power Stadium, and is one of a host of first-team stars expected to depart this summer. Caglar Soyuncu and Youri Tielemans have already confirmed they will leave on free transfers, while Harvey Barnes has also been linked as a potential Magpies transfer target.

Almost a week on from a dramatic final day in the Premier League, Maddison has taken to social media to open up on his emotions following Leicester's relegation. The England international is adamant each player has to accept responsibility for the 'failure' of a campaign, while calling for everyone around the club to 'stick together' in the face of the setback.

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He posted: "Absolutely devastated to be relegated from the Premier League. I’ve took a bit of time to reflect on the outcome of the season and to be honest it doesn’t make it any easier at all.

"This will hurt for a very long time and probably stick with us all forever. But that’s life and it’s about how you bounce back from setbacks and failure and unfortunately that’s exactly what this season was.. a failure.

"We should never have been in the position we were, with the players we have. But we take responsibility for that and the negativity that comes with it and continue to stick together."

Maddison's social media statement has been 'liked' by Newcastle United stand-in skipper Kieran Trippier along with more than 150,000 fans. A recent report suggested the Magpies transfer target had spoken with the full-back about the prospect of a transfer while on international duty with England.

Newcastle were confident they had clinched a deal for Maddison last summer, and Tottenham appear to be the biggest rivals for the attacking midfielder's signature in the upcoming window.

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