Tottenham Hotspur set to pursue long-time midfielder interest

According to the Telegraph’s John Percy, Tottenham is set to pursue recently relegated midfielder James Maddison, but landing the Leicester midfielder won’t be easy.  

Several teams are interested in securing Maddison’s signature, including Newcastle, arguably the most appealing for the 26-year-old.

While this rumour has more credence than Harry Kane’s exit speculation, it is still merely that, a rumour.

Maddison’s pending exit from Leicester is almost a certainty, as the Englishman has far too much quality to ply his trade in the Championship. Reports suggest it will take about £50 million to get the deal done.

Maddison, who has been linked to Tottenham multiple times previously, is under contract at the Foxes until June 2024. Like any elite player, a category Maddison falls into, the opportunity to play for a side with guaranteed Champions League football will be hard to repel.

That’s why Newcastle, who can quickly and easily pony up the £50 million asking fee, are the undisputed frontrunners to win the Maddison sweepstakes. Maddison earns about £110,000 per week, but would expect a raise before pledging his allegiance to a new club.

However, Ange Postecoglou is a proponent of Maddison’s and has reportedly consulted Tottenham on the prospect of securing his signature.

While no European football will invariably deter Maddison, he might be convinced by Tottenham’s relatively high profile, putting aside their recent on-pitch struggles.

Also, Postecoglou is highly regarded in football circles and could convince Maddison that Tottenham will provide him with the best opportunity to showcase his creativity.

The Englishman would perfectly suit the No. 8 role in Postecoglou’s enterprising 4-3-3 system, allowing him to attack with freedom in support of Spurs’ front three.

With integrity and professionalism, Maddison also conducts himself the way Postecoglou’s players must. He’s also willing to consistently go to war for his teammates, the supporters, and the badge.

Daniel Levy and company rarely rush to any key personnel decisions, especially this early in the summer transfer period. But if Tottenham is to make a move for Maddison, they’ll want to buck that usual trend and act with some urgency.

Maddison won’t be on the market for long; such is the level of his irrefutable talent and leadership qualities.

He made 30 appearances for Leicester last season, scoring 10 goals and adding nine assists, one more than Spurs’ top assists man, Ivan Perisic.