Newcastle United are reportedly 'in talks' to sign Leicester City attacking midfielder James Maddison.

The Lowdown: More incomings?

It seems as if the Magpies are not yet done in the transfer market, having captured the signing of Anthony Gordon from Everton.

They have also reportedly agreed a £3m fee with West Ham United to sign right-back Harrison Ashby, who is 'expected' to travel to Tyneside for a medical.

Even though they look solid as ever defensively, having kept eight clean sheets in nine games since the season resumed after the World Cup in Qatar, they are almost as parsimonious in attack, with just nine goals scored in the same number of matches (Sky Sports).

With Eddie Howe's side chasing down a Champions League place for next season, they will not want to see their goals dry up too much over the next few months, so they could seek additional firepower this month in order to help them get over the line.

The Latest: Maddison 'talks'

Taking to Twitter, transfer expert Rudy Galetti says that Newcastle are 'in talks' with Leicester over the potential signing of Maddison and are 'ready' to make a first offer of around £45m for him.

However, the Foxes want at least £55m, and if no agreement can be reached, then he will remain a target for the Tyneside club in the summer.

Galetti tweeted: "#Newcastle are in talks with #Leicester for #Maddison. #NUFC are ready to make the first offer for the AM of around £45m. #LCFC want at least £55m (£40m upfront). In case of no agreement, the player will remain a target in the summer."

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The Verdict: Get it done now!

If Newcastle have an opportunity to sign Maddison now, then they must get it done.

The 26-year-old is sure to attract plenty of suitors in the summer, given that he would have only one year remaining on his contract at the King Power Stadium and Leicester are struggling near the bottom of the Premier League table, sitting just one point above the relegation zone.

Before an injury that he picked up in December, Maddison was on fire in the league despite his team's struggles, racking up seven goals and four assists in 14 games (Transfermarkt).

Hailed by BBC writer Raj Chohan for his 'unbelievable' vision and ability to score with both feet, the Englishman ranks in the 94th percentile of all attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe's top five leagues over the past year for non-penalty goals. He is also in the 91st percentile for assists (FBref), showing that he is not just one of the star players in the Premier League, but in Europe as well.

Maddison could well make the difference for the Magpies in terms of securing a Champions League spot for 2023/24, if they can strike a deal to sign him before Tuesday's transfer deadline.