Newcastle boss Eddie Howe opens up on January transfer plans as move for England and Leicester star James Maddison looks ‘extremely unlikely’

Eddie Howe has spoken on Newcastle United's transfer plans ahead of the January window as they look to continue their impressive start.

The Magpies may be keen to strengthen next month in the hopes of building upon their current Premier League third place standing, but could be set to miss out on target James Maddison once again.

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Newcastle have been one of the league's big spenders since their new owners arrived last October, having spent in excess of £200million on new signings until now.

Despite their new monetary power, Howe believes that financial fair play could limit their expenditure in January.

, he said: "As a manager, I am always looking to improve the team. I will never sit here and be content - I don’t think that is the right way to manage.

"My way to take the team to new heights is to improve through the training of the players we have. If we can’t get to a certain level, then we need to find that in the transfer market.

"In my position, you are keen to sign the best players you can - but those players come at a premium. [Sven] Botman wasn’t cheap, Alex Isak [£60m] wasn’t cheap. Those are players who can influence the starting XI.

"Do we have the finances for that? I do not know. That might impact our options. It is a considerable outlay the club have to find and with FFP, I’m not sure that’s available to us. You have to work within the guidelines of the club."

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Reports earlier in the year said that Newcastle would revive their interest in Maddison in January after having two bids rejected for him in the summer.

However, they may have to wait until the end of the season to make another move for the 26-year-old.

The Daily Mail have reported that despite Howe remaining an admirer of the Leicester City midfielder, a January transfer is 'extremely unlikely'.

This is due to the finances that would be involved in a deal, with Newcastle potentially adopting a 'one in, one out' policy should they wish to sign new players.

Despite remaining on Newcastle's radar, Howe's side may have to wait even longer to secure their man, but they will firstly be keen to resume their progress on the pitch once the domestic season resumes.