Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe would make James Maddison 'one of the first names on the team-sheet' if he manages to lure the Leicester City star to St James' Park, according to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie.

The Magpies were not afraid to splash the cash during the summer transfer window, having parted with close to £120million, but Howe will be presented with another opportunity to strengthen his squad in January.

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What's the latest news involving Maddison?

It is understood that Newcastle have revived their interest in Maddison and are mulling over whether to test Leicester's resolve by lodging a third bid during the early stages of 2023.

The Magpies were unwilling to meet Leicester's £60million valuation for the creative midfielder and failed with two bids worth up to £50million during the summer transfer window.

Tottenham Hotspur also seriously considered making a move ahead of the September 1 deadline, but Maddison remained at the King Power Stadium.

The 25-year-old will enter the final 18 months of his £110,000-per-week contract in January, leaving Leicester in a precarious position.

Brendan Rodgers' side have been attempting to tie Maddison down to a new deal for a number of months, but they have been unable to reach an agreement.

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What has Keith Downie said about Maddison?

Downie believes Maddison would be better off heading to Newcastle than joining other potential suitors as he would be guaranteed regular game-time.

The Sky Sports reporter feels the one-cap England international would move into the forefront of Howe's thinking immediately if the Saudi Arabia-based Public Investment Fund, which led a £305million takeover last year, can stump up the cash to strike a deal.

Downie told GIVEMESPORT: "When you look at it, that could be a good move for James Maddison.

"It could be something a bit different to the norm and rather than going to a Manchester City, a Liverpool or whoever it may be that's interested and struggling to get in the team, you'd obviously be one of the first names on the team-sheet at Newcastle."

How has Maddison performed so far this season?

Maddison has been in such good form that it would be a major error if England boss Gareth Southgate overlooks him for the fast-approaching World Cup in Qatar.

The former Norwich City man has scored six goals and contributed a further four assists in 13 appearances this term.

Thanks to grabbing a match rating of 8.7 and laying on both goals, Maddison was the best player on the pitch as Leicester sealed a 2-0 win at Everton on Saturday.

He has scored every 179 minutes in the Premier League and completes 2.6 key passes per game, which underlines his threat in the final third of the pitch.

Newcastle may be third in the Premier League table, but there is no doubt that Maddison would be a huge asset on Tyneside.

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