27 June 2023 , 08:49
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Tottenham are closing in on a deal for Leicester midfielder James Maddison as his King Power exit draws near.
The England playmaker is expected to leave the East Midlands this summer following the Foxes’ final day relegation to the Championship. Newcastle immediately emerged as contenders to sign him, whilst Spurs were credited with an interest.
Both clubs appear to have edged ahead throughout the course of the summer transfer window. Tottenham initially looked to have moved ahead as favourites, with Newcastle set to spend big on AC Milan star Sandro Tonali. However, recent reports suggested that a bid could still potentially be forthcoming from St James’ Park.
Spurs now appear to have put themselves in the driving seat. According to The Athletic, the North London side are ‘closing in’ on a move for the Leicester man. Personal terms with the midfielder are not thought to be an issue but one problem could be an agreement with Leicester.
The recently-relegated side are holding out for £60m for the midfielder’s signature, whilst Spurs’ bid for Maddison is only expected to be around £40m. They will continue talks with Leicester after seeing their opening offer turned down.
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Recent reports suggested that Daniel Levy had attempted to sign Maddison and his Foxes teammate Harvey Barnes for a combined fee of around £50m. The pair were the standouts of Leicester’s season last term despite their demotion to the second-tier.
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Maddison scored ten times and provided nine assists in the Premier League, whilst Barnes was the club’s top goalscorer having found the net on 13 occasions. The former is out of contract in 12 months time, whilst the winger has two years remaining on his Leicester deal.
The pair could be the latest in what has been an exodus from the King Power Stadium this summer. Youri Tielemans has already agreed a move to Aston Villa at the end of his contract, whilst Caglar Soyuncu is set for a move to Atletico Madrid.
Should Maddison move to North London, he will become Ange Postecoglou ’s first signing since becoming Antonio Conte’s permanent successor. Meanwhile, the Australian appears set to also sign a new goalkeeper with a move for Empoli star Guglielmo Vicario, who will replace Hugo Lloris.
There is still a decision to make over the future of Harry Kane. His contract expires next summer and he has been strongly linked with an exit this year.
Manchester United identified him as a prime target but Levy’s demands have put the Red Devils off. Bayern Munich are also interested and recent reports suggested that Kane would be open to a move to Bavaria.