James Maddison would be the 'missing piece of the jigsaw' for Newcastle United, according to former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan. The Magpies had two bids for the Foxes playmaker rejected in the summer and have shown from their previous endeavours they're not willing to back down on important transfers.
Newcastle have landed the likes of Alexander Isak, Sven Botman and Bruno Guimaraes in big-money moves. The new owners at St. James' Park have backed Eddie Howe in the transfer market and there's been positive signs so far.
While there may still be a long way to go until the Toon are genuine title contenders, Howe's side have gone close against Manchester City and Liverpool so far this season. A late winner at Anfield is the only defeat on Magpies' record this season.
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“I think so," Whelan told Football Insider when asked if they'll go back in for Maddison in January. “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.”
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