Another transfer window has passed and Newcastle United are still yet to secure the signing of Leicester City playmaker, James Maddison, with the Englishman having remained at the King Power Stadium despite strong interest from Eddie Howe's side in recent times.

Reports during the summer window claimed that the Magpies had seen a bid rejected of around £50m for the 26-year-old, with further claims made in the lead-up to January that the northeast side would make another approach in the mid-season window.

While there were reports at the tail-end of last week that suggested the Tynesiders were "in talks" regarding a move for the former Norwich City man, no such move came to fruition, with the midfield maestro staying put with just 18 months to run on his existing deal with the Foxes.

The Daily Mail then claimed on deadline day that Premier League champions Manchester City could well be eyeing a move for the Coventry-born gem come the summer, with that potentially set to prove a further blow to Newcastle's hopes of bringing the one-cap star to St James' Park.

Maddison had no doubt emerged as an attractive option after providing 11 goal involvements in just 14 league games so far this season, having previously recorded a staggering haul of 30 goals and assists across all fronts last term.

With Howe now needing to find another solution to help bolster his creative, midfield ranks, the former Bournemouth boss could well be best served promoting from within, with 16-year-old Lewis Miley a player who seemingly can make an impact at senior level in the coming months and years.

The teenage "wonderkid" - as described by the Chronicle's Chris Knight - has already had a taste of first-team action after featuring in the mid-season friendly win over Rayo Vallecano back in December, with that inclusion a testament to how highly regarded he is by those on Tyneside.

A "powerful runner" who has "good close control and can pick a pass", in the words of journalist Mark Carruthers, the emerging superstar has thrived in the academy set-up of late, offering the versatility - like Maddison - to feature in an attacking midfield role, or on the flanks.

The Gateshead-born starlet has already racked up four goal involvements in only eight appearances across all competitions at youth level so far this season, with his overall record for the club's U18 side standing at four goals and three assists in 31 games.

Such is Miley's undoubted potential, he was even included in The Guardian's next-generation list of the top 20 talents across the Premier League, with that an indication of the possible diamond that Howe and co have on their hands.

While it would be fanciful to suggest that the young prospect will be able to immediately push for a regular role in the first-team, the hope will be that in the years to come he can emerge as the Magpies' own, Maddison-esque talisman - saving the club millions in the process.