Former BBC pundit Noel Whelan has backed Newcastle United in their pursuit of both James Maddison and Youri Tielemans in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Midfielders wanted

The Daily Mail's northeast reporter Craig Hope revealed last week that the St James' Park outfit are set to prioritise the signing of a central midfielder in January, as they search for an ally for Bruno Guimaraes.

They have been linked with moves for both Maddison and Tielemans and could strike a double deal with Leicester City.

The Latest: Newcastle backed for both

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan has claimed that Tielemans playing alongside Bruno in Newcastle's midfield would be 'outstanding to watch', while Maddison would also be a 'fantastic' signing.

The 47-year-old stated: “Tielemans would be a fantastic addition. Along with Maddison – if they can get the two of them in one move, then I’m not sure they need too much else.

“Tielemans is a player who catches the eye straight away. He would compliment Guimaraes in that midfield area – the two of them as a pair would be outstanding to watch. Both like to get forward and be creative.

“Newcastle, with where they’re sitting right now, have a real opportunity to go out and get a player like him to help them secure that European football.”

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The Verdict: Get both in!

If Newcastle can offer the right prices, then there is no reason that they cannot sign both players from the Foxes in January.

Leicester have a history of selling their key players to Premier League rivals if the price is right, and Tielemans should be very much attainable given that his contract at the King Power Stadium expires in the summer.

Not only would the duo bring plenty of top-flight experience, they have also shown their quality once again in a Leicester team which has struggled at times this season, having notched up eight goals and three assists between them in the league so far, ranking them as the Foxes' two best performers (WhoScored).

Indeed, taking two quality players from one of their top-flight rivals midway through the campaign would feel extra sweet for the Magpies.