Levy gunning for £50m attacker signing to give next Tottenham manager perfect start, but Newcastle have transfer advantage

Steve Pearson 18 Apr 2023 4:10 PM

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy

Tottenham are pressing ahead with a deal to sign a proven playmaker who’s ‘likely’ to move this summer, though why Newcastle could be favoured for the £50m coup has been revealed in a report.

Spurs’ campaign has been nothing short of calamitous at times. Tame exits from all three cup competitions contributed to Antonio Conte losing his job. Finishing inside the top four would salvage their season to some degree, though Tottenham continue to be their own worst enemy in that regard.

Indeed, Spurs have dropped points to relegation-threatened quartet Wolves, Southampton, Everton and Bournemouth over the last six weeks. The end result sees Tottenham three points behind fourth-placed Newcastle who also have a game in hand.

Once a new permanent manager is installed, Spurs will attempt to right their ship over the summer and the first step is tying Harry Kane down to fresh terms. The 29-year-old is out of contract at the end of next season and Man Utd are circling.

Beyond the Kane situation, arrivals could come on the left side of defence. Another area Tottenham are seeking to improve is midfield, specifically with a view to adding more creativity.

On that front, Tottenham are long-time admirers of Leicester ace, James Maddison.

The 26-year-old has bagged 15 goal contributions in what has been a rotten campaign for the Foxes. But for Maddison’s scheming in the final third, Leicester’s situation at the foot of the table would be even bleaker.

Maddison’s current deal expires in the summer of 2024 and as such, the next window represents their best chance to extract maximum value.

A sale is all but assured if the Foxes are relegated. Even if they survive, a Maddison exit would generate the funds to help address multiple positions of need.

The Daily Mail recently reported Spurs chairman, Daniel Levy, has personally taken charge of Tottenham’s move for Maddison.

Spurs don’t currently have a permanent manager in place, while sporting director Fabio Paratici has taken a backseat following a worldwide ban imposed by FIFA. Paratici is appealing the decision.

Now, a fresh update from Sky Sports has shed new light on what’s in store for Maddison this summer.

Maddison on the move, but to Tottenham or Newcastle?

Their reporter, Rob Dorsett, wrote it’s ‘likely’ Leicester will lose Maddison at season’s end.

It’s claimed to be ‘now or never’ for the Foxes if they’re to generate a large sum for the player. On the subject of cost, a round £50m price tag is cited. Maddison would ordinarily cost more, though his contract status weakens Leicester’s position.

Dorsett echoed the Mail’s claims Maddison is wanted by Tottenham as a club and not by any one specific individual. In other words, the pursuit is being driven from the top and not by a manager as would sometimes be the case if a permanent boss were in place.

But before Tottenham fans can get too excited, the report stressed stern competition will be provided by Newcastle.

The Magpies bid £50m for Maddison last summer and reignited their interest in January. Amid a season of struggle and staring relegation in the face, Leicester refused to sell mid-season.

Both the Athletic and i newspaper have confirmed Newcastle will try to make it third time lucky for Maddison this summer.

Aiding Newcastle’s cause would be their participation in next season’s Champions League. Sky added Maddison is likely watching the race for top four with ‘intrigue’.

If Newcastle do fend Spurs off and secure fourth spot, they’ll hold an advantage in negotiations if both sides act on their interest.

James Maddison