Real Betis striker Ayoze Perez: I thought Maddison would join Newcastle

Real Betis striker Ayoze Perez admits he expected James Maddison to join Newcastle United.

Perez played with the Tottenham star at Leicester City.

He told ChronicleLive: "Since last season, it was very likely to happen.

"But, in the end, it was Tottenham that went and signed him. He also liked that option. He also had that option in mind but, you know, football and business in this kind of situation, anything can happen."

"He always mentioned it was a great ground to play at," the Spaniard added. "He always liked it. It was an option for him to sign at some point for Newcastle. It was one of his favourites. Definitely.

"It's one of the best in the Prem. You can smell football there with the atmosphere and everything around the stadium is great."