Tottenham to submit opening offer for Postecoglou maverick this week but compromise already in works

Tottenham are reportedly preparing to submit their opening offer for Leicester City star James Maddison this week, as Ange Postecoglou looks to ramp up the club’s transfer business.

The Australian is looking to make his mark on the Spurs squad after arriving from Celtic over the summer and is fully aware that changes need to be made after a disastrous campaign last time out.

The north London side failed to qualify for Europe at all after an eight-placed Premier League finish as they waved goodbye to another permanent boss in the shape of Antonio Conte.

The hope now is that Postecoglou will bring with him the attractive, fast-paced football that he employed in Glasgow in what will be more in keeping with Tottenham’s traditions.

But to do that new signings are an absolute must, especially in midfield where Spurs were crying out for some creativity during the woeful second half of the 2022/23 season.

And that is where Maddison fits the bill as he proved to be one of the very few shining lights of Leicester’s relegation campaign.

The Daily Telegraph reports that Tottenham will submit their first bid for the midfielder this week as they look to ‘thrash out a deal’ with Leicester.

However, it’s common knowledge that while the Foxes want £60million, Spurs will instead offer an initial £40m as they search for a compromise deal.

The reported compromise will include add-ons and further instalments in order to seal a transfer.

Spurs to try and thrash out Maddison deal

At this stage, it still remains to be seen whether Maddison will be happy moving to a club with no European football, especially with Newcastle still lurking.

However, the Magpies are closing in on AC Milan’s Sandro Tonali and have since cooled their interest in Maddison.

That stance from their Premier League rivals has left Spurs ‘ramping up negotiations this week’, with a first formal offer imminent.

The north London club have already agreed a deal with Empoli for highly-rated goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario and now Maddison could follow him, assuming Tottenham and Leicester can agree on the fee and Maddison green lights the switch.

READ MORE: Serie A forward ‘makes contact’ with Tottenham as Postecoglou considers Harry Kane cover options