Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe will look to add a 'real class midfielder' to his St James' Park options 'next summer', according to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie.
The Magpies went into the international break sitting 10th in the Premier League table, but a lack of cutting edge has resulted in them winning only one top flight fixture since the campaign got underway.
GiveMeSport Transfer Verdict
Have Newcastle been linked with creative midfielders?
It is understood that Newcastle retain an interest in Leicester City playmaker James Maddison after failing to get a deal over the line during the summer transfer window.
The Magpies submitted two bids worth up to £50million, but they were both rejected due to failing to meet his £60million price tag.
According to Football Insider, Newcastle are planning to test Leicester's resolve by heading to the negotiating table and lodging another Maddison offer when the transfer window reopens in January.
The report suggests the Tyneside giants are expecting the one-cap England international's value to drop due to his contract situation.
Maddison has entered the final two years of his £110,000-per-week contract at the King Power Stadium, but Leicester are desperate to keep the 25-year-old on their books and have opened talks over fresh terms.
What has Keith Downie said about the situation?
Downie believes Howe is keen to add a midfielder who will excite the Newcastle fans ahead of the 2023/24 season.
The Sky Sports reporter feels the Magpies are missing a star in the middle of the park who would bring the best out of Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton.
Downie told GIVEMESPORT: "Next summer, I think they'll then be looking to add a real class midfielder to come in and complement the likes of Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton in there.
"I think they definitely need someone in that position as well."
Did Newcastle sign any midfielders during the transfer window?
Newcastle spent more than £120million ahead of the summer transfer window slamming shut earlier this month, but no midfielders headed to St James' Park.
Matt Targett made the permanent switch from Aston Villa for £15million, while Nick Pope has become the Magpies' first choice goalkeeper since his £10million move from Burnley.
A further £35million was needed to tempt Lille into selling Sven Botman before Alexander Isak became the most expensive acquisition in the club's history when a £63million bid sealed his arrival from Real Sociedad.
Free agent Loris Karius joined Newcastle following the closure of the transfer window, offering Pope further competition.