Newcastle United would need to stump up a "massive" transfer offer if they want to land James Maddison in January, according to journalist Ryan Taylor.
The Lowdown: Newcastle linked with Maddison
The Tyneside club, who are a lofty third in the Premier League, have been heavily linked with the Leicester City midfielder and even had two bids for him rejected during last summer's transfer window.
Since then, the 26-year-old has gone on to score seven goals and provide four assists in 13 Premier League appearances for the Foxes, whose recent good form has seen them move away from the relegation zone.
Looking ahead to January, one journalist has made a claim regarding what it could take from the Magpies to sign Maddison in the coming weeks.
The Latest: Taylor drops Maddison claim
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Taylor discussed the likelihood of Newcastle signing Maddison next month.
He said: "James Maddison is obviously a player they really like, but Leicester are not really rolling over for a sale.
"Maddison has probably been the difference between being in the relegation zone and being where they are this season, so I don’t see that coming off, certainly in this window unless there’s a massive, massive offer. But that’s not to say that Newcastle won’t look at strengthening."
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The Verdict: Worth the wait
In addition to his goals and assists, the Englishman has also played more key passes (31) and taken more shots at goal (39) than anyone else at Leicester in the current campaign.
In fact, his form this season earned him a place in England's squad for the World Cup, only for him to not get the chance to play even a minute of action in Qatar.
With Maddison's contract at the King Power Stadium set to expire in 2024, next summer's transfer window could be the best time for Newcastle to try and sign him, especially if Leicester feel that this would be the best time to cash in on their midfield star.
If the Foxes are adamant that they won't be selling the 26-year-old in January, Newcastle shouldn't waste their time trying to sign him then, instead biding their time for another few months.