Newcastle target Leicester midfielder as Howe outlines plans for January window madness

Newcastle United have reportedly made Leicester City midfielder James Maddison their top transfer target ahead of the January window.

The Magpies are likely to be very active in the winter transfer window, with Eddie Howe's side currently third in the Premier League.

They've spent quite a bit of money since their takeover last October, although it's not the kind of numbers fans were expecting at the time of the takeover.

Rumors of £250million offers for Kylian Mbappe are long gone, with the Newcastle hierarchy taking a fairly conservative and no-nonsense approach to their transfer business.

By continuing to invest in younger players, the level of players coming through the northeast gate has undoubtedly increased.

Bruno Guimaraes was the club's first signing before the summer acquisitions of Sven Botman and Alexander Isak.

While Newcastle are set to become a huge force in European football, their progress under new ownership and Howe has been remarkable and well ahead of schedule.

To be third in the league with their only defeat this season at Anfield thanks to a 98th-minute winner is exceptional and unexpected.

And Howe will be eager to keep the Geordies' momentum going for European football.

Signings in January will be needed if they want to qualify for the Champions League, and given the funds they have, there are many rumors circulating.

According to 90min, Newcastle are "working hard" to sign players in the winter transfer window, with Maddison high on their wishlist.

England international Maddison is the Magpies' 'first target', although Howe accepts Financial Fair Play rules may hamper the club's pursuit.

They can wait until the summer for their man with Leicester to ask for £50m.

Howe is set to meet club bosses as he outlines his intentions for January.

There are a number of players Newcastle have looked at over the past six months who could be prosecuted next month or this summer.

Howe is eager to sign a new wide forward, with Moussa Diaby, Leandro Trossard, Marcus Thuram, Christian Pulisic and Mykhaylo Mudryk on his radar.

Two other positions the former Bournemouth boss is hoping to strengthen are central midfield and right-back, as he seeks depth for Kieran Trippier.

West Ham's Harrison Ashby and Leeds United's Cody Drameh would be targets for the job.

As for the midfielder, Newcastle have 'questioned' Vasco De Gama about their youngster Andrey Santos, the report adds.

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