Former Newcastle United midfielder Lee Clark has claimed that Newcastle United will go back in for James Maddison in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Bids rejected

It was reported that the St. James' Park outfit had not one, but two bids rejected for Maddison from Leicester City in the summer.

The second one was worth over £40m, but the Foxes are thought to value him at closer to £60m.

The attacking midfielder recently starred in a 4-0 win for Brendan Rodgers' side against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Monday night, where he scored twice and set up another (Transfermarkt).

The Latest: January return?

Speaking to The Chronicle, Clark was left wowed by Maddison's performance, and claimed that he has 'no doubts' that the North East club will be back in for him come January:

"I watched the game and it just enhanced what I think about Maddison. I've seen him as a young player when he was on loan at Aberdeen when I managed Kilmarnock, you could tell he had great ability then, great awareness to play in that number 10 role.

"He was outstanding on Monday; I think he has been one of the standout players in a tough season for Leicester. He's always making chances for his team-mates; he's got unbelievable technique from set-plays.

"If Newcastle could bring him in January, that would just add to the attacking options they already have. You can never stand still in football; you can never think we're doing well in that area, so we don't need to recruit. You have to keep trying to improve, and Maddison would certainly improve the current group of players.

"He's such an intelligent footballer, he'd be able to play with any player and you have to keep him in your thoughts. I've got no doubts that if Newcastle are given any encouragement, they will be back in for him."

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The Verdict: Get it done

If it will take £60m to get Maddison in January, the Tynesiders simply need to get the deal done.

The Englishman seems to be on another level at the moment, with five goals and two assists in the top flight in a struggling Leicester side, picking up a man-of-the-match award and ranking as their best performer in the division (WhoScored).

The 25-year-old would be a mainstay in the Magpies team for years to come, and will help attract other big names to the club as part of the long-term project.