James Maddison signing a new contract with Leicester City could stave off interest from Newcastle United, Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie has claimed.

The Lowdown: Maddison linked with Leicester exit

The 25-year-old has been one of the Foxes' star players over the past few years, proving to be a creative hub of the team and scoring 36 goals in the Premier League.

Maddison was touted for move away from Leicester during the summer transfer window, and Newcastle have continued to be linked with him.

However, a new update suggests that the Foxes could boost their chances of retaining his services as they look to keep hold of one of their most prized assets.

The Latest: Downie shares Maddison claim

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Downie stated that Leicester tying Maddison down to a new deal could ultimately see Newcastle unable to afford him, in what would be a huge fillip for the Foxes.

The Sky Sports reporter said of the 25-year-old:

"If he does go on to sign a new contract at Leicester, you’ve got to say Newcastle have got no chance of getting him. Their only chance really of getting him would have been in that sort of cut-price deal [in the summer], and I’m saying cut-price deal, we’re talking over £40 million.

"He’s worth £50 million and that’s why I think Newcastle were kind of pleasantly surprised when they learned that they could get him for that money, but they couldn’t get him."

The Verdict: Will he extend his stay?

Maddison has remained loyal to Leicester up until this point, but their current struggles under Brendan Rodgers could understandably leave the playmaker questioning his future at the King Power Stadium.

The 5 foot 9 midfielder is an exceptional player who has been hailed as 'superbly consistent' by Gary Lineker, and he may feel that a step up to a more successful team is required.

Leicester's struggles are certainly despite rather than because of him, with the 25-year-old already scoring three goals this season and ranking as by far his team's best player according to WhoScored.

Maddison's current contract expires in 2024, so it is slowly edging towards a crunch period, but extending his stay would at least allow the Foxes to sell him at a premium if he does leave.