Public Tottenham courting of James Maddison forces Leicester into major decision, with second club to benefit from £60m move
Tottenham pursuing James Maddison has resulted in Leicester coming to a big decision about the attacking midfielder’s future, according to a report.
Tottenham are long-term admirers of Maddison. And their interest has been taken to the next level this season amid his brilliant form.
Maddison has managed nine goals and five assists in 18 matches. He is Leicester’s top scorer this term, ahead of Harvey Barnes (eight goals) and Kelechi Iheanacho (five).
Tottenham’s interest in the playmaker was publicly confirmed recently. Before their match against Leicester, which the Foxes ended up winning 4-1, Spurs assistant manager Cristian Stellini said: “We like Maddison.
“He is an important player in this league, a player with an important type of skill, like his delivery, his crossing, his right foot is a very important foot so he shoots, he crosses, he takes the set-pieces.
“He is a player you have to take care of. When you play against him, you have to be careful. When you feel how important is this type of skill, for sure you like this type of player.
“He’s a player with talent. At the moment he’s playing for Leicester, a team we play against. We take care of him like an opponent.”
However, Spurs did not heed their coach’s warning. Maddison notched a goal and an assist while captaining Leicester to that 4-1 victory over the north London outfit.
Update on James Maddison situation
The Telegraph have now provided an update on the England international’s future. They reiterate the fact that Spurs want to sign him, while Newcastle also remain on his trail after having two bids rejected last summer.
Leicester are responding to the growing interest by ‘intensifying’ contract discussions with Maddison. His current deal is set to expire in June 2024. Leicester want to extend it by several years to prevent a move away from the King Power.
Maddison is also likely to receive a bumper pay rise after his exceptional form this season.
The Telegraph reveal that Leicester chiefs have been in contact with Maddison’s agent in the last few days to let them know about the contract decision.
Leicester will hope to get the renewal done before the summer transfer window opens. This should prevent any bids emerging for him from Spurs or Newcastle.
If Maddison opts against penning a new contract, or if an agreement cannot be reached, then the 26-year-old will probably be allowed to leave for £60m. This is the price Newcastle were quoted at when their proposals for Maddison were rejected before the start of the current campaign.
The report also provides some information on a second club which will receive money if Maddison moves. Norwich City have a 15 per cent sell-on clause. This will activate if Maddison leaves Leicester for more than the £25m they bought him for in 2018.
If Maddison does go to either Spurs or Newcastle for £60m, then Norwich would get £9m. As a result of this, the Championship side are apparently ‘keeping a close eye’ on the Maddison contract talks.
Meanwhile, Spurs have begun looking for Fabio Paratici’s director of football replacement and have one man in mind.
