Newcastle fans believe they have spotted a subtle change in James Maddison's Instagram profile picture amid reports linking the Magpies with the Leicester star this month.
With less than 48 hours until the transfer window slams shut, Eddie Howe's men will have to move quick if they are to secure the services of the 26-year-old, who has impressed for the Foxes this season. Maddison, who has 18 months left on his current deal at the King Power Stadium, marked his return from injury in City's 2-2 draw against Brighton on January 21 before starting in the 1-0 win at Walsall on Saturday.
It was an impressive performance from Maddison and some Newcastle supporters are beginning to get excited again. They even pointed out a change on Maddison's Instagram account as he switched his picture from him alongside teammate Jamie Vardy and Leicester owner Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, to him wearing an England shirt after he was called up to their World Cup squad.
The update was spotted by fan account @NUFCbible on Sunday evening with less than two days until deadline day. It comes just a matter of days after another eagle-eyed account noticed Maddison is now following eight Newcastle players on Instagram, including Matt Targett, Jacob Murphy, Nick Pope and Kieran Trippier amongst others.
Despite the speculation surrounding his name, Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers has admitted throughout the whole process that his only thought is getting Maddison back playing for Leicester. He has reiterated on a number of occasions that the ex-Norwich midfielder is not for sale and said in late December he was "relaxed" about the situation.
"I want him available to help us," Rodgers said. "We miss his quality and creativity in the team. That's my only thinking, I want him available all the time. When you have good players, they are always going to be linked with other clubs. I’m always very relaxed on that. I just need him available and ready to play for us."
Maddison has scored seven goals and provided four assists in 16 appearances across all competitions this season, and was one of the division's outstanding players before the World Cup break. It would come as no surprise if Newcastle were back in for the player, having reportedly made two bids to sign Maddison in the summer.
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It was also claimed last week that Leicester have received a "concrete offer" from an unnamed club for Maddison's services, which saw the Toon Army come up with their own theories that it might be their club who have made the bid. One fan said: "Sneaky feeling we could be back in for Maddison."
Another added: "If Maddison is in the match day squad for Leicester’s game today, he isn’t coming to Newcastle this window. If he’s not in the squad, prepare for #NUFC Twitter meltdown." A third continued: "If we sign Gordon and Maddison that's an absolute dream window."
Newcastle completed their first arrival of the January transfer window on Sunday as Anthony Gordon joined in a £45million move from Everton on a long-term contract. But Toon fans will be hoping he isn't their only signing with Maddison heavily linked with a switch to St James' Park.
