Newcastle United appear to have set their sights on signing Leicester City's James Maddison this summer, with an attacking addition still yet to be made by the Tyneside club.

What's the word?

As per recent reports, the Magpies are said to have seen two bids rejected for the Englishman - the latter of which was believed to be around £50m - with the reluctant Foxes likely to be holding out for around £60m if they are to sanction a sale.

Journalist Pete O'Rourke has now issued his verdict on that apparent interest in the 25-year-old, stating that while there is firm interest in the England international, it could prove a challenge to tempt Brendan Rodgers' side into cashing in.

Speaking in an interview with Football FanCast about the speculation surrounding the playmaker, the transfer insider stated: "He's obviously a top target for Newcastle. As you said two bids now turned down for him.

"I just don't think Newcastle could probably get to the numbers that would force Leicester to sell. Leicester really, ideally want to keep James Maddison.

"We all know they've got some issue at the minute where they need to sell players before they can make any signings as well".

Keep pushing

Although the Tynesiders won't want to be forced into paying over the odds for the former Norwich City man, at some point they may have to relent to try and get Maddison through the door at St James' Park, with extra reinforcements possibly needed in the coming weeks.

It is no real surprise that the £45m-rated ace has emerged as a 'top target' such has been his form at the King Power Stadium, having scored 12 goals and provided eight assists in the Premier League alone last season.

That sparkling form ensures that his total haul now stands at an impressive 45 goals and 32 assists in 170 games in all competitions for Leicester, with such a record showcasing just what a reliable creative force the £110k-per-week genius has been for the Foxes.

Dubbed "world class" by Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate for his set-piece brilliance, the Coventry-born star is a simply deadly presence in the final third, with the forwards already at Eddie Howe's disposal set to thrive off Maddison's service if he comes to Newcastle.

With an attacking addition still yet to be made this summer by the Magpies, Howe - who has only recently signed a new long-term deal at St James' Park - will be desperate to get the 25-year-old through the door on Tyneside.