James Maddison reveals key factor behind joining Tottenham Hotspur over Newcastle United

James Maddison has opened up on his decision to join Tottenham Hotspur, despite long-term interest from Newcastle United.

The 26-year-old had been on the Magpies’ radar since last summer when they had two bids turned down by Leicester City.

Talks between Newcastle and the Foxes had taken place in recent weeks but, as reported by NewcastleWorld last week, they failed to progress - for two reasons.

Firstly, Newcastle struggled to negotiate what they felt was a reasonable fee for a player entering the final year of his contract.

And secondly, there were issues with Maddison’s personal demands, which were believed to exceed the United’s highest earner.

In truth, although Maddison entertained the idea of moving to St James’ Park, a move to North London always appeared to be the midfielder’s ‘preferred’ destination.

And so that proved after the England international completed his £40million switch earlier this week.

“I feel a hunger about the place,” said Maddison. “You come here, and you get a feel for the club and the people, everything about it, and it feels brilliant. Like I said, I’m very happy and can’t wait to get going.

“I spoke to the manager, spoke to Daniel [Levy] and they both spoke very highly of everything about the club.”

Maddison revealed the huge impact new manager Ange Postecoglou had on decision.

He added: “Speaking to the manager was very important, how he’s going to be, with that little bit of the unknown, so to have a decent chat with him and to get his thoughts on things, how he sees Spurs going this season.

“He said one thing to me on the call, I hope he won’t mind me saying this, but he said, ‘whether you come or not, you’re going to see a completely different Spurs team under me’, and that kind of stuck with me that he said that.

“Things like that are so important, building a good relationship with him, with Daniel, speaking to other players, obviously, I know a lot of them anyway, and playing against them for so many years, I feel like I have such a good understanding with Tottenham Hotspur Football Club and now I’m part of it.”