Newcastle United agreeing a winter deal to sign Leicester City midfielder James Maddison is ‘unlikely’, according to journalist Craig Hope.

The Lowdown: Summer bids rejected

The Premier League sensation is currently in Qatar having been named in Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad to represent England at the World Cup, though he is yet to take part due to injury.

This hasn’t stopped speculation surrounding his future at the King Power Stadium though, perhaps no surprise given his club form before the winter break.

PIF saw two bids rejected over the summer as a result of falling short of the Foxes’ £60m valuation, with reports claiming that the Magpies were contemplating a third offer, though that doesn’t appear to be the case.

The Latest: Maddison move ‘unlikely’

Taking to Twitter, Hope revealed that Newcastle are set to head into the winter market with a particular transfer strategy, making an approach for Maddison difficult.

“Eddie Howe discusses January window from Riyadh & stresses desire to strengthen team rather than rest on success so far. But he also accepts FFP will be a factor.

"We understand “one in, one out” most probable but deal for James Maddison unlikely.”

Expanding in his Daily Mail column, the reporter listed the reason as being down to the ‘financials that would be involved’, though Howe very much ‘remains an admirer’.

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The Verdict: Massive blow

Maddison holds a hugely impressive record in the final third this season and so it’s a massive blow for Howe to learn that he will likely miss out on his target.

The Coventry-born playmaker has already posted 11 goal contributions in 14 appearances this term and is a versatile individual with the ability to operate in four different attacking positions (Transfermarkt).

The Midlands maestro could have made a significant impact on Newcastle nailing down a top-four finish at the end of the campaign, but it looks like the club will now simply have to turn their attention elsewhere.