Former BBC pundit Noel Whelan has backed Newcastle United to sign James Maddison in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Bid rejected

As per Football Insider, the St. James' Park outfit had a bid worth £40m for Maddison rejected by Leicester City in the summer, as they value the attacking midfielder closer to £60m.

It has been reported that the North East club will go back in for him in January, but the Foxes have opened talks with the Englishman over a new contract.

The Latest: Whelan backs move

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan has still backed the Tynesiders to sign Maddison in January after hearing that talks have been opened over a new deal, insisting that they 'won't give up'.

The ex-Leeds striker said of the 25-year-old: “Newcastle have proven that when they set their sights on a player, they don’t back down.

“That number 10, creative midfielder – he’s the missing piece of the puzzle right now. Someone who can break into the box and find the final pass. He’s very good on set-pieces too.

“It’s another step forward to improving their squad, and he’d give them a lot more options.

“They won’t give up the chase. They’ve got the money, they’ve got the clout – and they’re showing that they can continue to progress up the table.

“Eddie Howe is doing a fantastic job of assembling a really competitive squad there.”

The Verdict: Possible

Even though Brendan Rodgers' side may be reluctant to sell him in January, a move for the Magpies to sign Maddison still seems possible.

Hailed as an 'outstanding' player by Rodgers himself, the playmaker recorded the most goal contributions of any Foxes player in the Premier League last season, tallying an impressive 12 goals and eight assists from midfield (WhoScored).

This term, the 25-year-old already has two goals and one assist in the top flight (WhoScored), despite Leicester's poor start, and he is sure to be a player in demand in January should the Foxes have to sell him.