James Maddison transfer latest: Tottenham signing chances ‘fairly slim’ after Newcastle United ‘groundwork’

The domestic football season in Europe comes to an end this weekend with the UEFA Champions League final as Manchester City take on Inter in Turkey.

After the conclusion of the showpiece event it will be the summer transfer window that takes centre stage in the news and one of the big ongoing stories continues to the future of James Maddison. The Leicester City playmaker is very much expected to depart the King Power Stadium following the Foxes relegation to the EFL Championship and Newcastle United are currently thought to be the favourites for his signature.

However, Tottenham Hotspur are also widely credited with an interest in the England international and the Magpies could face competition from North London for the 26-year old. Supporters may have been alerted this morning to read headlines that Spurs had ‘opened talks’ with Maddison but there is a suggestion that they might not have too much to worry about.

According to CaughtOffiside, who reference reports from Italian journalist and ‘transfer guru’ Fabrizio Romano, Tottenham have indeed opened talks with Maddison. However, the article claims that Tottenham’s chances of signing him are ‘fairly slim’ and that is because Newcastle United have ‘put in the groundwork’ already.

Not only that, but the fact that St James’ Park will offer him UEFA Champions League football next season appears to be the key factor in making the North East a more preferable destination. Despite that, a deal with Leicester does seem to be a good bit away yet and the same report claims the Foxes now want as much as £60 million for their star man.

Figures ranging between £40 million and £50 million had previously been touted but it appears the interest from Spurs may be driving up the asking price. New Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou has apparently asked the club to go out and sign Maddison but Newcastle have reportedly been trying to secure his signature for months.