James Maddison update - Newcastle's pursuit of Leicester City star handed double boost?

In an 'exclusive' on Newcastle's summer transfer plans, The Telegraph have issued an update on our pursuit of James Maddison - and it's pretty encouraging.

Firstly, they report that we've received encouragement that a move to St James' Park is Maddison's 'desired destination', suggesting he prefers a move to Tyneside over Tottenham.

Additionally - and this may be key - it's said that 'confidence is growing' that we'll be able to reach a compromise with Leicester over a transfer fee.

It's believed we are currently unwilling to match their initial asking price of £60m, but with the player pushing to leave following relegation and entering the final 12 months of his contract, we have plenty of leverage over the Foxes. They will push for the best price possible and are known to be good sellers, yet they won't keep a player who'll be worth nothing this time next year.

If we can meet in the middle on a price and the player himself really is eager to sign, it feels increasingly likely that Howe will finally land his man after seeing two bids rejected last summer for the 26-year-old.

The England international is currently on Three Lions duty and has been pictured with Toon striker Callum Wilson, sharing an Instagram post of them playing pool together last night. Let's hope our No 9 put in a good word!

Fingers crossed, folks. With 70 goal involvements in the last three years and proven quality at Premier League level, I believe Maddison would be a brilliant signing and just what we need to help break down deep-lying defences that will look to frustrate us next season.