According to a report in the Guardian, Tottenham are now leading the race to sign England midfielder James Maddison from Leicester City.
Ange Postecoglou Has Approved Maddison as Key Target for Tottenham
Not just new centre back as priority. Tottenham are still working hard on James Maddison deal as they plan to insist in the next days despite Newcastle being in the mix. ⚪️ #THFC
Spurs preparing an approach to Leicester as Ange Postecoglou has approved Maddison as key target. pic.twitter.com/ZIIxnr7yYD
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 23, 2023
England Man Would Add Extra Creativity to Spurs Midfield
Former Norwich City midfielder James Maddison has been identified as a key target by new Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou.
The midfielder was in fine form last year scoring 10 goals and laying on 9 assists, but with Leicester being relegated to the Championship it now seems inevitable that Maddison will move on.
Postecoglou is likely to operate a 4-3-3 system and Maddison would be a key component linking midfield to the attack as an advanced number 10.
The report in the Guardian suggested that although Chelsea and Manchester United had scouted James Maddison, they were unlikely to make a move. Chelsea have moved on to other targets and Manchester United have Bruno Fernandes operating in the hole that Maddison would occupy. This leaves the door open for Tottenham to move for James Maddison.
Football insider Fabrizio Romano tweeted that Tottenham would act quickly, insisting on the transfer in the coming days. However, the Guardian cited a Leicester City source who suggested it ‘could be a while’ before Tottenham lodge an offer.
James Maddison has previously been praised by Brendan Rodgers as a gifted English player. He said: “He knows himself, he’s up there on a level with a lot of the really gifted players in that [England] squad.”
Read More: ‘Personal Terms Agreed’: Tottenham Now Preparing to Complete Second Summer Signing – Romano
Newcastle Prioritising £55M Move for Milan’s Sandro Tonali
Newcastle have been linked with Maddison throughout the early part of the summer, but according to a Sky Sports report, a deal for Maddison would be ‘difficult’ if the Magpies signed Sandro Tonali.
According to the report, Leicester is demanding more than £50 million for the England man, and by signing both Maddison and Tonali Newcastle would run the risk of falling foul of the financial fair play rules.
When Norwich sold Maddison to Leicester back in 2018, they inserted a 15% sell-on clause on any profit made by his future transfer. Considering he arrived at the King Power Stadium for £24 million, if Leciester sell him for £50 million they would make £26 million worth of profit, meaning £3.9 million would head straight to Carrow Road.
Read More: Newcastle United Agree Personal Terms With Italian Midfielder
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