Newcastle looking to secure £12 million deal for Hull’s Harry Maguire

Championship leaders Newcastle United look set to prepare for life in the Premier League with the signing of Hull City centre-back Harry Maguire in the summer, according to The Sun.

Rafa Benitez’s men beat fellow promotion-hopefuls Huddersfield Town 3-1 on Saturday to go 11 points clear of David Wagner’s side in third, in turn all but securing their place in the top-flight next season.

And it seems that preparations are already underway for their immediate return to the Premier League, with the Magpies reportedly looking to seal a deal for Hull’s Maguire in the summer.

The English defender has started 16 times for the Tigers in the top-flight this season, and has been a regular feature in Marco Silva’s starting line-up in recent weeks, having started their last 13 league games.

He has also been one of their most consistent performers in recent matches, particularly against Liverpool and Burnley, and it appears that the Magpies are keen admirers of the 24-year-old, and see him as a defender that can help them solidify their position in the Premier League next term.

Add in the fact that Maguire will reportedly reject a new deal at the KCOM Stadium, and a summer move looks inevitable, especially if Hull lose their status as a Premier League club this season.

The Tigers are second-bottom of the division having lost 3-1 at champions Leicester on Saturday.