Sky Sports' northeast reporter Keith Downie claims that James Maddison would be 'one of the first names on the team-sheet' at Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: January target

It has been widely reported that Maddison is a target for the St James' Park outfit in the January transfer window.

The Tyneside club had a formal bid rejected in the summer and could look to come back in for the Leicester City attacking midfielder with an increased offer.

The Latest: Regular starter?

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Downie has claimed that signing for Newcastle could be a 'good move' for Maddison, adding that he would be 'one of the first names on the team-sheet' under Eddie Howe.

The Sky Sports man said: “When you look at it, that could be a good move for James Maddison.

“It could be something a bit different to the norm and rather than going to a Manchester City, a Liverpool or whoever it may be that’s interested and struggling to get in the team, you’d obviously be one of the first names on the team-sheet at Newcastle.”

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The Verdict: Exciting

The thought that Howe's team could sign a player in January who might slot straight into their starting XI and improve it immediately is exciting for the Toon Army.

With a 7.41 average rating in the Premier League, Maddison ranks as third-best compared to the Magpies' current squad. Only Miguel Almiron at Newcastle has scored more goals (eight) than the Englishman's six in the top flight so far, while Maddison also has the most assists (four).

Taking into consideration that Newcastle are third in the top flight compared to Leicester being down in 14th, the 25-year-old is playing exceptionally well in an otherwise struggling team, and he could thrive in a Magpies side full of confidence.