According to reports on ESPN FC, Everton are keeping close tabs on in-form Norwich City attacking midfielder James Maddison.

The 20-year-old has been in impressive form for the Championship side this season after initially joining the club from Coventry City in 2016, and Toffees director of football Steve Walsh personally watched him in action in his side's 2-1 defeat to Bolton Wanderers at the Macron Stadium on Saturday.

ESPN FC says that the Canaries aren't keen to lose the playmaker, whose contract runs out in 2021, but that could change if a Premier League club makes an approach.

Meanwhile, Newcastle United have had a mixed start to the Premier League season and having scored just 10 goals in their 11 top flight matches so far this term, manager Rafa Benitez could be looking to boost his attacking options during the January transfer window.

Here are three reasons the Magpies should hijack Everton's interest in Maddison…

His stats

Considering he is just 20 years of age and this is his first full season in the Norwich City side, you can't help but be impressed with Maddison's performances this term.

The attacking midfielder has stood up to the plate when some of his teammates haven't and has scored four goals and provided a further five assists in 17 appearances in all competitions.

He already looks as though he has the qualities to make an impact in the Premier League and a club like Newcastle could be the perfect platform for him to showcase his abilities in the top flight.

Perez needs competition

After scoring just one goal and providing a further assist in 10 Premier League starts this term, the 24-year-old was dropped from the XI for the 1-0 defeat against Bournemouth on Saturday.

However, a lack of alternatives to Perez in the number 10 role meant that Rafa Benitez switched to a 4-4-2 formation rather than sticking with the 4-2-3-1 system, but no goals against the Cherries suggest it wasn't a successful experiment.

Newcastle certainly need a different option in the centre, and Maddison could be the answer following his impressive performances this season.

Potential

According to reports in The Independent in December 2015, Premier League giants Arsenal and Liverpool were keen to sign Maddison when he was still at Coventry City.

Even though the duo were keen the attacking midfielder eventually joined Norwich City, and his performances for the Canaries this season undoubtedly show the potential that he has to make it at the highest level.

If Newcastle splash out on the 20-year-old in January or next summer, his valuation could soar in the coming years.

Do you agree, Magpies fans? Let us know below.