Newcastle United would bag themselves a ‘game changer’ if they were to complete a deal for Leicester City attacker James Maddison this summer, according to Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge.

Eddie Howe and Dan Ashworth has overseen a steady stream of business at St James’ Park but there is still time for the Magpies to bring a statement signing to the North East.

What is the latest on a deal for Maddison?

It is clear that the 25-year-old is a top target for the club this summer but bids of £35 million and £50 million have already been rejected by the Foxes.

A price tag of £60 million has reportedly been slapped on the attacking midfielder and it remains to be seen whether or not Newcastle will return with a better offer.

If he were to complete a move to St James’ Park, Maddison would become just the fourth signing of the summer, following Nick Pope, Sven Botman and Matt Targett.

Many will have expected a free-spending window from the latest members of football’s ultra-rich club, but so far they have kept their business frugal.

What has Bridge said on a deal for Maddison?

Bridge says that, if he were in charge of transfer business at the club, he would get a deal for Maddison done.

The reporter says the £110,000 per-week star has the potential to be a game changer and take Howe’s side to another level.

Bridge told GIVEMESPORT: “If I were Newcastle, I’d just do it. But I understand their stance at the moment, with FFP and everything, and I admire the way they say they won't be held to ransom. I just feel with him though: 25, English, game changer. You immediately, with Maddison, guarantee you finish above Leicester, you get guaranteed top 10, and you’ve got a really good English player on your books for a long time.”

Would Maddison be a good signing for Newcastle?

The one-cap England international has been a consistent performer in the top flight since making the move from Norwich back in 2018.

He boasts 78 goal involvements for the Foxes in 171 appearances, taking his career goals tally to 68 in the process.

His national team boss, Gareth Southgate, also knows his quality all too well. Back in 2019, the Three Lions manager described Maddison as ‘world class’.

“He’s a player of outstanding technical ability,” Southgate said, via Leicestershire Live. “He has an eye for an incisive pass, his set-play delivery is world class – absolutely top."