The January transfer window is well underway and Newcastle United are yet to make their first splash in the market after being busy at this point last year.

Eddie Howe and PIF enjoyed a successful first window at the helm in 2022 as they brought in Bruno Guimaraes, Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn, Matt Targett, and Chris Wood to bolster the squad.

It has been a quieter month this time around as they have not made a single signing to improve the team, although that may change in the final two weeks of the window.

Central midfielder Guimaraes is set for a spell out on the sidelines after picking up an injury in the recent win over Fulham in the Premier League and the Magpies could look to make an addition in that area of the pitch.

One player, who can operate in the middle of the park, who has been linked with a move to St. James' Park is Leicester dynamo James Maddison.

Journalist Ryan Taylor recently told GIVEMESPORT that it may take a "monster offer" for the Magpies to sign the attacking midfielder, who is a "target" for the club.

Dan Ashworth must now swoop to make a mega move for the England international as the former Norwich gem has the potential to be a phenomenal signing for the Toon.

Maddison's form in the Premier League this season suggests that he could improve Newcastle's attack. In 13 appearances, the 26-year-old has plundered seven goals and provided four assists, whilst creating 2.4 chances per game and averaging a Sofascore rating of 7.52.

Meanwhile, no Magpies midfielder has created more than 1.1 opportunities per outing in the top-flight this term and no central midfielder has scored more than three times.

These statistics indicate that Maddison would be an upgrade on Howe's current options in that area of the pitch by offering a greater threat in front of goal and providing an increased level of creativity in possession.

The £110k-per-week gem, who was once dubbed "magical" and a "magician" by Statman Dave, is also heading into his prime years at the age of 26 and could hit the ground running for Newcastle, given his Premier League experience, whilst having plenty of years left ahead of him before he enters his 30s.

Therefore, Ashworth must do whatever it takes to sign the English playmaker before the end of the month as his statistics suggest that Howe would love to have the gem in his squad heading into the second half of the campaign.