Newcastle United will have to 'break their wage structure' if they want to lure Leicester City star James Maddison to St James' Park, according to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie.

Thanks to being the richest club in world football, following a £305million takeover led by the Saudi Arabia-based Public Investment Fund last year, Magpies head coach Eddie Howe will be able to splash the cash during the January transfer window.

GiveMeSport Transfer Update

What's the latest news involving Maddison?

Maddison is currently in Qatar, having been named in England's World Cup squad by boss Gareth Southgate, but there is still speculation over where his long-term future lies.

The playmaker is set to enter the final 18 months of his £110,000-per-week Leicester contract at the turn of the year, leaving his current employers in a precarious position.

Newcastle tested the Foxes' resolve by lodging two bids worth up to £50million during the summer transfer window, but they were unwilling to budge on their £60million valuation.

Despite the setback, it is understood that the Magpies have revived their interest in Maddison and are mulling over whether to return to the negotiating table with a third offer in January.

Tottenham Hotspur could provide competition for the 25-year-old's signature as the north Londoners seriously considered making a move ahead of the summer’s September 1 deadline.

Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know

What has Keith Downie said about Maddison?

Downie believes Maddison would only be interested in making the switch to Newcastle if the club are open to tabling a contract with a significantly higher pay package than he currently receives at Leicester.

The Sky Sports journalist is unsure as to whether the Tyneside outfit are willing to meet the England star's demands, which would see him overtake Kieran Trippier as the club's highest earner on £144,231-per-week.

Downie told GIVEMESPORT: "What Newcastle would have to do for James Maddison is break their wage structure.

"Obviously, he's going to be wanting significantly more than he's on at Leicester with his contract running down. It's just whether Newcastle are willing to go to that number."

Would Maddison be a good signing for Newcastle?

Maddison has certainly put in positive performances during the first half of the season, notching seven goals and four assists in 13 Premier League outings.

With that being the case, it should not come as a surprise that Newcastle, who have gone into the break from domestic football sitting third in the top flight, are mulling over whether to up the ante in their pursuit following their failed summer attempts.

Maddison has also shown that he is not afraid to contribute at the defensive end of the pitch, having averaged 1.9 tackles and 0.7 interceptions per game, and that will be music to Howe's ears.

There is no doubt that the FA Cup winner, who has gone to the World Cup with just one cap to his name, would make Newcastle even more of a force and be an exciting acquisition.

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