Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly emerged as the front-runners in the race to sign Leicester City’s James Maddison, with Newcastle United still in with a shout for the player’s signature as things stand.
Tottenham have jumped ahead of Newcastle United in the race to sign England international James Maddison and are trying to complete a transfer this week. The 26-year-old is keen on joining Spurs following Newcastle United’s move for Sandro Tonali. However, according to Daily Mail, the Magpies could look to make a rival bid to hijack Spurs’ transfer move.
The 26-year-old seems set to depart the King Power Stadium this summer following the Foxes’ relegation from the Premier League. Maddison can hold his head high after last season, as he scored ten goals and nine assists in the Premier League in just 30 appearances.
The England international is out of contract in 2024. So Leicester realistically need to sell him this summer not only to avoid the risk of losing him as a free agent next year but also to get his big wages off their books ahead of the new Championship season.
Valued at around £60 million by the Foxes, Maddison is a target for Newcastle United and Tottenham this summer. The Magpies were supposed to be leading the race for Maddison’s signature but may find it difficult to match Leicester’s asking price due to the imminent £55 million signing of Sandro Tonali, who is set to sign a six-year contract with the Magpies.
Although the Magpies are backed by the Saudis, they still need to comply with Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations, forcing them to prioritise signing the defensive-minded Tonali, who can also serve as a backup for Bruno Guimaraes.
The Tonali deal has put a significant dent in their transfer budget, and they seem to have gone quiet on the Maddison deal. That has potentially left the path clear for Spurs to push ahead with a move for the creative midfielder, who reportedly prefers a move to London instead of the North East.
Spurs cannot offer Maddison European football after finishing eighth in the Premier League last season. But a move to north London would keep his top-flight status intact and keep him in contention for England selection with UEFA Euro 2024 on the horizon.
That said, a move to St. James’ Park cannot be completely ruled out, with it Spurs’ low-ball opening offer is around half of what Leicester City are asking for. Newcastle have the financial muscle to put together an offer to outbid Tottenham, given they were ready to offer around the £45 million mark for Maddison in January and earlier this summer.
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Eddie Howe remains a firm admirer of the English playmaker and would be able to offer him Champions League football. However, there’s a feeling that Newcastle United will only move if Leicester City decrease their asking price significantly.
