The leading candidates to sign James Maddison from Leicester City this summer are Tottenham Hotspur, according to the latest update about the attacking midfielder.
Maddison will have just one year remaining on his contract with Leicester by the end of the season. Since the side are currently at risk of relegation, he might have to consider an exit. His situation has understandably generated interest from multiple clubs.
Tottenham have admired Maddison for a while, but have recently learned of competition from Liverpool for his signature. Newcastle also possess their own interest in the twice-capped England international.
But according to a fresh revelation by Football Insider, Tottenham are currently winning the race to sign Maddison.
They have made the addition of a creative midfielder their priority for the summer transfer window, regardless of who they appoint as their next manager after parting company with Antonio Conte.
Maddison appeals because of his existing experience in the Premier League. Tottenham are confident enough in him to be willing to outbid their rival suitors for his signature.
How much Leicester will be asking for isn’t entirely clear right now. It may well depend on whether they can retain their Premier League status or drop down to the Championship.
Maddison has scored 54 goals from 195 appearances for Leicester so far, including nine from 24 this season.
Coincidentally, he has scored four times against Tottenham across his career. His tally against Newcastle is the same. Only against two other clubs has he scored more goals.
But if Tottenham get their way, Maddison will be scoring and creating for them, rather than against them, during what should be the peak years of his career.
James Maddison might progress at Tottenham
Given the uncertainty around who will be picking the team for Tottenham next season, it’s hard to say at this stage where Maddison would fit in precisely, or whose place in the team he might be taking.
Interestingly, Tottenham haven’t signed a first-team player from Leicester in the Premier League era. Maddison could opt to go down that route, though, if Spurs are successful with an offer.
Alternatively, he could be keeping in mind the interest from Liverpool and Newcastle. The latter currently look likely to finish the highest this season, as they aim for Champions League qualification.
That has been the target for Tottenham and Liverpool in recent seasons too, though their chances of achieving it have decreased in recent weeks.
It’s still all to play for, though, so all of Maddison’s suitors will be hoping to enjoy strong ends to the season, in order to make themselves attractive destinations for targets like the former Norwich City star.
