If Monday night updates from The Telegraph and talkSPORT are anything to go by, it seems like James Maddison looks increasingly unlikely to end up on Tyneside this summer.
The Telegraph’s John Percy – their main man in the Midlands – reports that Tottenham have ‘ramped up’ negotiations for the 26-year-old this week and entered advanced talks, meaning a formal bid is now ‘imminent.’
He adds that they are ready to pay £40m plus add-ons. This falls well below Leicester’s £60m asking price, but it’s hoped a compromise can be reached. As for Newcastle, Percy reports that we’ve ‘cooled our interest’ in the England international, despite two bids last summer and Eddie Howe’s admiration.
As a result, it seems Spurs are now pressing ahead over a deal, hoping to seal a move for Maddison while we pursue other targets and wrap up the signing of AC Milan midfielder Sandro Tonali.
Luke Edwards – Percy’s colleague at The Telegraph – adds that Newcastle are not currently “active”’ in their pursuit of Maddison, increasing concerns Spurs will step in and ‘get it done quickly.’
As for talkSPORT, they report that the attacking midfielder has always preferred a move to North London, adding that Leicester are willing to drop their asking price; which would be great news for Spurs in their attempt to agree a fee with the Foxes.
