Newcastle transfer news: Toon believe they can sign James Maddison in January

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Newcastle United continue to be linked with James Maddison, and a new report claims that they believe they can sign him in January.

That is according to Give Me Sport, who believe that the Magpies’ dream of signing the midfielder is slowly becoming a ‘reality’.

They add that sources claim a deal is ‘not impossible’, as Newcastle look to bring their top target to St James’ Park.

Dan Ashworth tried to sign the 26-year-old during the summer, but could not complete a deal. Newcastle had two bids rejected for Maddison, who remained at the King Power.

Leicester have reaped the benefit of keeping Maddison at the club, as he has been their star performer this season. It has been a difficult campaign for Brendan Rodgers’ side, but the England international has been a shining light.

Maddison has scored seven goals this season, and also has four assists. In the words of Gary Lineker, his numbers this season are ‘extraordinary‘.

He has been a difference maker in the final third, and his form earned him a place in the Three Lions’ World Cup squad. However, he did not play a single minute out in Qatar.

Now he is preparing to return to club action, and will hope to feature in Leicester’s Boxing Day clash with Newcastle.

But could he playing for the opposition come the end of January? Newcastle certainly hope so, but he won’t be cheap.

Newcastle think they can sign Maddison in January – but he will cost £60m

Give Me Sport add that Rodgers wants to keep Maddison at the club. However, they state that Newcastle could be able to do a deal if they put £60million on the table.

That is the same figure that Leicester wanted in the summer, and was deemed too much by the Magpies. It has since been claimed that Ashworth will only make a fresh move for Maddison if the Foxes lower their asking price.

Therefore, something is going to have to give to get him to St James’ Park next month. Either Leicester must lower their asking price, or Newcastle must bite the bullet and pay the £60million.

Whether a compromise can be reached remains to be seen, but Maddison’s contract situation does complicate matters further. He is now entering the final 18 months of his current deal.

The situation involving Newcastle and Maddison is very complicated. It is clear that Eddie Howe wants him in his side. It is also clear that he is going to cost a lot of money.

But while some report that the Magpies are still keen on the midfielder, others believe that there will be no major additions in January. So which will it be? We will find out in the coming weeks.