Newcastle are set to make Leicester and England midfielder James Maddison their top priority.

The 26-year-old is said to be considering his options with the Foxes and is unlikely to sign a new contract ahead of its expiry next summer.

According to The i, the Magpies see Maddison as a key addition to help Eddie Howe’s men reach the next level after an impressive campaign so far.

While currently focused on keeping Leicester in the Premier League, the playmaker is intrigued by the exciting project at St James’ Park.

He has ambitions to become a regular in the Three Lions fold and sees the Toon as an ideal place to get regular football at a high level — particularly if they qualify for the Champions League.

Maddison earned a place in Gareth Southgate’s World Cup last year due to his sensational club form but injury issues and competition for places meant he did not feature at Qatar.

The former Coventry youngster has nine goals and five assists in 19 Premier League games this season.

He will be crucial to the East Midlands side’s hopes of avoiding relegation this term as they sit out of the bottom three on goal difference after a run of four straight defeats.

In other news

The Telegraph indicate Manchester United are ready to join the bidding to sign Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund.

Real Madrid are considering a move for Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku when he returns from his loan spell with Inter Milan this summer, say Fichajes.

United and Newcastle have joined Brighton and Brentford in showing an interest in 20-year-old Celta Vigo midfielder Gabri Veiga, 90min have claimed.