Newcastle United had bids rejected for James Maddison in the summer, and an update has emerged from a reliable source on what the Tyneside club will need to do if they are to secure his signature in January.

What’s the latest?

According to Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor, Newcastle would need to make a “massive offer” to sign the Leicester City star next month.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “James Maddison is obviously a player they really like, but Leicester are not really rolling over for a sale.”

“Maddison has probably been the difference between being in the relegation zone and being where they are this season, so I don’t see that coming off, certainly in this window unless there’s a massive, massive offer. But that’s not to say that Newcastle won’t look at strengthening.”

Imagine him & Isak

There is no doubt that Eddie Howe, the St James’ Park faithful and the Newcastle squad will be dreaming of Champions League qualification after a phenomenal start to their Premier League season.

The Magpies are currently third in the top flight after shipping just one defeat in their first 15 league outings, and the manager will be hoping that the team can pick up where they left off when they return to action against Leicester on Boxing Day.

Despite the Newcastle squad proving that they are collectively a force to be reckoned with over the campaign so far, it would still be advantageous to add some depth in key positions ahead of the second half of the season.

Newcastle are still competing in both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup and attempting to retain their spot inside the top four, and Howe will surely want to deliver the first domestic trophy at St James’ Park since 1955.

As a result, the signing of Maddison would be a major coup for the Magpies, especially if they could secure his services in January.

Like Newcastle, the £60m-valued Foxes star has had an outstanding season so far and earned himself a place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad at the World Cup in Qatar over the last month due to his performances in the Premier League.

In 13 league appearances, Maddison - who was dubbed “frightening” by Rio Ferdinand - has scored seven goals, registered four assists and created three big chances, along with averaging 2.4 key passes, three shots on goal, 1.9 tackles and 4.8 successful duels per game.

Howe could even land the perfect player to compliment summer signing Alexander Isak, as Maddison's selfless contributions in the attacking third and ability to win the ball in dangerous positions would give the Magpies striker excellent service to convert chances against opponents.

Although the Swede has barely featured for Newcastle so far due to a serious injury, he had netted twice across his first three appearances for the club, showing early signs of great promise.

With that in mind, the powers at St James’ Park should make a tempting offer to try and snap up Maddison in January, as the talented playmaker could be the final push that Newcastle need in order to secure a trophy this season.