An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their pursuit of mercurial gem James Maddison in the summer transfer window... 

What's the talk?

According to iNews, the Magpies will need to pay a fee in the region of £60m - which would be a club-record - to land the attacking midfielder in the coming weeks.

The report claims that the club have had an offer of £40m rejected by Leicester, who want a large sum up front in order to do business of their own.

Luke Edwards has since claimed that a second bid of £45m has been made, with the player said to be keen on the switch.

Paul Gascoigne 2.0

Dan Ashworth must now do all he can to secure a deal to sign Maddison as he has the potential to be the club's next Gascoigne, whether that is at £45m or £60m - both club-record moves.

The Englishman has the arrogance on the pitch, along with the quality to back it up, to be Gazza 2.0 on Tyneside if he joins the club Magpies this summer.

Gascoigne was an attacking midfielder capable of producing magic moments for the Toon - scoring 24 goals in 102 matches - and Maddison has shown that he has the ability to do the same in the Premier League.

He was once dubbed a "genius" by BBC Norfolk presenter Rob Butler and he has showcased his creativity in the top-flight in recent years.

The gem, who has previously been accused of arrogance, produced 12 goals and eight assists in 28 starts in the 2021/22 campaign. This came after he managed eight goals and five assists in 24 starts the year before that, which shows that he has the ability to make a big impact in the final third.

At the age of 25, he also has his best years ahead of him. He is a player who can improve over time whilst delivering quality for many, many, more seasons to come - making him a sublime signing in the short and long-term.

Maddison has proven himself to be an excellent midfielder in the Premier League and he can be Eddie Howe's go-to man when it comes to unlocking opposition defences this season.

Therefore, Ashworth can land the club their next Gascoigne by bringing in another talented English magician who is capable of producing magical moments at the top end of the pitch to win matches for the Magpies.

It is now down to the sporting director to negotiate a reasonable deal with Leicester to bring the 25-year-old to St. James' Park.