Newcastle have cooled their interest in James Maddison - boosting Tottenham's chances of signing the England international.
Maddison, 26, is one of the most exciting attacking players in English football and is expected to leave Leicester following their relegation to the Championship. He scored 10 goals and provided nine assists in the Premier League last season.
Newcastle were leading the race for Maddison's signature but may find it difficult to meet Leicester's £50million price tag due to the imminent arrival of Sandro Tonali from AC Milan. The 23-year-old midfielder is set to sign a six-year contract with the Magpies.
Tonali will cost Newcastle £60m, putting a significant dent in their transfer budget. Although the Magpies are backed by the Saudis, they still need to comply with Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules, forcing them to prioritise signing the defensive-minded Tonali.
As reported by Sky Sports News, Newcastle will cool their interest in Maddison for now. They might go back in for the England international later in the transfer window if manager Eddie Howe can sell some players or Leicester reduce their asking price.
Newcastle's indecision could allow Tottenham to swoop in. Spurs cannot offer Maddison European football after finishing eighth in the Premier League, but a move to north London would ensure he remains in the top flight and in contention for England selection.
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Maddison has one year remaining on his contract with Leicester. Perhaps the big question is whether Tottenham will stump up £50m. It's believed Spurs have already offered £50m to the Foxes for Maddison, but it was a joint bid with Harvey Barnes.
That was rejected by Leicester and suggests Spurs do not value Maddison at £50m. The Foxes will not want to lose him on the cheap after signing him from Norwich for £20m in June 2018. His value has increased significantly after impressing at the King Power.
Maddison has scored 43 goals and provided 34 assists from his 163 Premier League games. He was part of the Leicester side that won the FA Cup and Community Shield under Brendan Rodgers in 2021 and has picked up three senior caps for England.
Maddison was asked for an update on his future during the recent international break, starting last Friday's 4-0 win against Malta. Speaking to Channel 4, the Leicester star said: "It's a pause and put the blinkers on and focus on the job at hand.
"It was a tough end to the season, but the positive about the games with England after having a little bit of a break between the last game of the Premier League season and now, it was good to refocus on these games... I'm fully focused on tonight."
Although Tottenham have not qualified for Europe, Newcastle have after finishing fourth in the Premier League. They will compete in the Champions League for the first time in two decades this coming season, helping them attract players of Tonali's quality.
