Tottenham working on deal for two of Leicester’s top players

Tottenham is ramping up its pursuit of Leicester’s James Maddison and Harvey Barnes, both of whom are seen as key targets for Ange Postecoglou.

While a joint bid for the pair is out of the question, Tottenham is pursuing both players separately. Maddison has been linked with Spurs before and would be an instrumental asset in Postecoglou’s 4-3-3 formation.

Spurs made their intention to pursue Maddison clear recently.

Newcastle’s Champions League place will appeal greatly to Maddison, who is still searching for his first appearance in Europe’s elite club competition.

However, Maddison is a proponent of Postecoglou and how he sets up his teams, which could prove decisive in choosing between Tottenham and Newcastle, the two frontrunners to land the Englishman.

The highly skilled midfielder, if he moves to Tottenham, would likely infiltrate the first team immediately, lining up as a No. 8 beside Rodrigo Bentancur.

The 26-year-old is definitely leaving Leicester after the Midlands side crashed out of the Premier League.

Barnes is another player suited to Postecoglou’s style of play. He works tirelessly on and off the ball and has the complementary skill to cause havoc for the opposing defense.

As powerful as he is skillful, Barnes has two years left on his Foxes’ contract but, like Maddison, will leave this summer.

Barnes is a year younger than Maddison and is as highly touted. He can play as a No. 8 or one of the wide attacking players amongst the front three. Barnes scored 13 goals and added one assist in 34 Premier League contests last season.

Spurs’ case to sign both players is strengthened by the imminent arrival of new assistant coach Chris Davies, who worked closely with Barnes and Maddison during his time as Leicester’s assistant coach.

Nabbing both of Leicester’s most influential midfielders would be seen as a masterstroke from Spurs’ new manager.

However, before either player signs on the dotted line, there is a long way to go. Negotiations are moving along and, at least for now, look good for Tottenham. Though we all know how quickly the dynamic can change.