Newcastle United have been long-term linked with a move for James Maddison and now a new update has emerged ahead of the club’s pursuit of the player in 2023.

What’s the latest?

According to ESPN, the Leicester City midfielder is still the leading target for Newcastle in the January transfer window, however, they now have Premier League competitors for his signature.

As per the report, Tottenham Hotspur are also now looking at the potential of signing Maddison and are credited as one of several clubs interested in securing the player’s services in 2023.

He’d get St James’ rocking

There is no doubt that manager Eddie Howe will be thrilled with the way his squad has performed over the campaign so far as Newcastle are currently third in the Premier League table.

The Magpies have only lost once in the top flight over their first 15 league outings and this week secured their progression to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, drawing Leicester in the competition.

Newcastle return to action in the Premier League on Boxing Day and Howe will be hoping that alongside progression in domestic tournaments, they can also retain their Champions League qualifying spot inside the top four over the remainder of the season.

As a result, the January transfer window could be a golden opportunity to strengthen the squad as they aim to remain competitive on all fronts and owing to Maddison’s form this season, he could be just what the team needs to achieve their European football dreams.

Over 13 league appearances this season, the £60m maestro - who was hailed a “super talent” by talkSPORT’s Danny Murphy - has scored seven goals, registered four assists and created three big chances so far, as well as averaging 2.4 key passes, three shots on goal, 1.9 tackles and 4.8 duels won per game.

Maddison’s impressive form for the Foxes led to his return to the international stage last month after a three-year absence, when he was selected for Gareth Southgate’s World Cup England squad in Qatar, however, following an injury, did not make an appearance in the prestigious tournament.

Nevertheless, if Maddison could replicate his current Premier League form at St James’ Park should he join the Magpies in January it would be a huge boost in the attacking threat during Newcastle’s challenge to secure Champions League.