Here is your latest 4am Newcastle United transfer digest.
Maddison 'top target'
Newcastle United failed with two summer bids for James Maddison, with the Leicester City playmaker entering the final two years of his contract. The in-form attacking midfielder is currently on international duty with England, although the 26-year-old is yet to feature for the Three Lions at the World Cup.
The Magpies are not expected to match their spending from last season in the upcoming January transfer window. However, 90min claim Maddison remains Eddie Howe's 'top target' with a mid-season move currently being considered.
READ MORE: The early deal that Eddie Howe is keen to get tied up for Newcastle United before January
The Foxes are reportedly not prepared to accept a cut-price exit, with a package in the region of £50 million likely to be required. Given the constraints of Financial Fair Play, it means Newcastle could wait until the summer to revisit the deal.
Thuram needs 'convincing'
Away from Maddison, the Magpies continue to be linked with a host of wide players as Howe looks to strengthen his attacking options. Moussa Diaby, Mykhaylo Mudryk, Christian Pulisic, and Leandro Trossard have all been linked.
Speculation over Marcus Thuram has emerged in recent weeks, with the France international set to become a free agent next summer. The forward earned a World Cup call-up on the back of a fine start to the season with Borussia Monchengladbach, netting 10 goals in 15 Bundesliga appearances so far.
Newcastle have been mooted as a possible destination, but SportBILD via Fussball Transfers claim Thuram would require 'a lot of convincing' to sign at St James' Park. Bayern Munich are among the clubs also linked to the 25-year-old.
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