‘For sure’ – Fabrizio Romano talks up £60m Tottenham move for playmaker whose club have admitted defeat
A £60m Tottenham move Daniel Levy has reportedly taken charge of has been talked up by Fabrizio Romano, though the trusted reporter named which Premier League side will provide the stiffest competition.
Among the many issues at Tottenham this season has been the distinct lack of a creative force in midfield. The likes of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur are all fine players, though none adequately act as the bridge between defence and Spurs’ star-studded forward line.
To remedy that issue, the Daily Mail recently reported Tottenham are sizing up Leicester playmaker, James Maddison. In fact, the Mail stated Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is personally taking charge of the move.
Levy reportedly wants Maddison signed irrespective of who Tottenham’s next permanent manager is. The logic there would be Maddison is of such a calibre that he’d be wanted by whoever takes the reins.
Maddison has notched 15 goal contributions in 25 matches for the Foxes this term. Without him, Leicester’s bleak outlook in the current campaign would be even darker.
However, Tottenham aren’t the only side showing interest, with Newcastle, Liverpool and Arsenal all linked over the last seven days.
Adding fuel to the fire was a report in Spain that stated Leicester have finally admitted defeat on the idea of retaining Maddison beyond the summer.
If the Foxes are relegated (they currently sit 19th), they’ll stand virtually no chance of retaining their star man. However, even if they survive, it’s claimed they’ll reluctantly cash in given an impending contract issue.
Maddison’s deal is up in the summer of 2024 and there’s no suggestions he’s willing to pen fresh terms. As such, Leicester must cash in this summer to ensure they extract maximum value.
On the subject of cost, valuations in the region of £50m-£60m have been cited. The upper end of that range would be achievable for Leicester if multiple sides spark a bidding war.
Now, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has weighed in on what’s in store for Maddison this summer.
Tottenham definitely in the mix, but so are Newcastle
The trusted journalist said it’s “for sure” Tottenham are in the mix for Maddison, though was keen to mention Newcastle too. Arsenal and Liverpool were not namechecked by Romano.
Newcastle have seen multiple bids for Maddison rejected in the past, with the latest totalling £50m last summer. Per both the i newspaper and Athletic, their interest has not gone away.
“Tottenham are monitoring James Maddison, for sure,” said Romano (via Caught Offside). “Also Newcastle have his name on their list since last August as he’s always been appreciated.”
But before Spurs fans can get too excited, Romano seemingly went against the Mail’s claim Maddison is wanted irrespective of who Tottenham’s next manager is.
The reporter continued: “We have to understand who’s going to be the new Tottenham boss to see if they will bid for Maddison, as at the moment it’s on stand-by.”
On that front, chairman Daniel Levy is understood to be zeroing in on a young and thriving manager after quickly putting a Julian Nagelsmann rejection to one side…
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