Noni Madueke was left out of Chelsea's squad to face Morecambe in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday afternoon as speculation surrounding his future ramps up.

It's not the first time Enzo Maresca has left the 22-year-old at home as he was also absent from their Premier League defeat to Fulham on Boxing Day, although the manager said at the time Madueke remains in his plans despite the omission. The winger started Chelsea's next game against Ipswich Town a few days later, but came on as a substitute against Crystal Palace.

Although Maresca explained that Madueke missed out through illness, it comes after the England international was heavily linked with Newcastle United back in the summer transfer window.

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He signed for Chelsea from Dutch side PSV Eindhoven back in the 2023 January transfer window and he has now made over 60 appearances for the club across all competitions. This term, Madueke has scored six goals in his 22 appearances so far and he remains under contract at Stamford Bridge until 2030, with the option of a further year.

A right winger was rumoured to be a priority signing for Newcastle back in the summer after Pedro Neto's arrival at Chelsea prompted rumours about the Magpies' interest in Madueke. However, reports indicated the London club slapped a £60m price-tag on the player, which subsequently put interested clubs off pursuing a move.

Madueke's recent omissions from the Chelsea squad have resulted in rumours resurfacing and it remains to be seen whether Newcastle revisit their interest in the player this month. Jacob Murphy has been Newcastle's regular starter on the right wing, but the possibility of adding Madueke to a front line already consisting of Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon has certainly whet the appetite of Newcastle supporters.

It's worth noting Chelsea are currently locked in a top four race with Newcastle as Eddie Howe's side are just a point behind the Blues in the Premier League table. Along with the extent of Newcastle's reported interest, whether the London club would be willing to strengthen a direct rival midway through the season is also a significant question.

Speaking about his future in the summer, the winger told Mail Online: "Of course, I believe in my ability. We've got a great team full of great players. Players who can play in different positions. It's always good to have a team like that. I try to do my best and see what happens.

"It's competition. Competition happens at top clubs all the time. It's just one of those. It’s not anything different or peculiar. It is what it is. I feel good. New manager. New tactical ideas. It will take a little time to fully get that over to the boys but from what I've seen so far, it's promising. It's a different style of play but one I feel we're well suited to.

"It's about staying high and waiting for that killer pass when you can go and do real damage. It's about being patient and waiting for the opportunity to run and do my stuff. That's the discipline that the manager wants and if the manager wants that, then I'll do it. Simple."