Tottenham have emerged as the frontrunners in the race to sign Leicester City’s James Maddison. Newcastle have also shown a strong interest in buying the England attacker this summer, but it is understood their priorities lie elsewhere.
Maddison is to leave Leicester following their relegation from the Premier League and Spurs are expected to make a fresh move for him. Spurs had a joint bid for the 26-year-old and the winger, Harvey Barnes, turned down by Leicester last week.
Newcastle tried to buy Maddison last year and they have not given up on him yet. However sources have expressed doubt over Newcastle, who are close to strengthening their midfield by signing Sandro Tonali from Milan for €70m plus add-ons, bidding for Maddison during this window.
That would potentially leave the path clear for Spurs to push ahead with a move for the former Norwich City playmaker, although sources close to Leicester have suggested that it could be a while before the north Londoners lodge their next bid. It remains to be seen if Leicester’s financial issues force them to accept a lower fee.
Manchester United have also watched Maddison, although it is believed that they are unlikely to sign a No 10 given they already have Bruno Fernandes. Chelsea scouted Maddison extensively when they were managed by Thomas Tuchel but they have other priorities this summer.
Ange Postecoglou is expected to line Spurs up in a 4-3-3 system following his appointment as their new head coach and the Australian needs reinforcements in the middle. Signing Maddison would provide Postecoglou with more creativity.
Spurs, who used a back three under Antonio Conte, lacked poise in midfield last season. Maddison is one of the most creative players in the Premier League and scored 10 goals last season. His form earned him a place in England’s World Cup squad. He has been capped three times by his country and needs a move to ensure he remains in contention for a place in Gareth Southgate’s squad for Euro 2024.
Newcastle would have the financial muscle to outbid Spurs and would be able to offer Maddison Champions League football. Eddie Howe’s current focus is on sealing a deal for Tonali. Newcastle’s talks with Milan have gone well and the 23-year-old Italy midfielder is awaiting permission to undergo a medical.
Newcastle hope to conclude Tonali’s transfer on Friday when the midfielder - who captained Italy under-21s last night against France in Cluj-Napoca etc - is expected to undergo a medical at Italy’s base camp in Romania.
After concluding talks with Milan in Italy, Dan Asworth, Newcastle’s director of football flew to Cluj-Napoca along with Tonali’s agent on Thursday when a medical team from St James’ Park also departed for Eastern Europe.
