Newcastle United target set to undergo medical ahead of £40m Premier League move

James Maddison is set to undergo a medical at Tottenham Hotspur ahead of his £40million plus add-ons move from Leicester City.

The 26-year-old has been on Newcastle United’s radar since last summer when they had two bids turned down by the Foxes.

Maddison has since remained a top target for Magpies head coach Eddie Howe but it is Spurs who have broken through to sign the England international following advanced talks this week.

As widely reported, a full agreement over a transfer fee and personal terms was reached on Tuesday evening with Maddison likely to undergo his medical today.

Maddison departs the King Power Stadium after five years, where he scored 55 goals and claimed 41 assists in just over 200 appearances.

Talks between Newcastle and Leicester had taken place in recent weeks but, as reported by NewcastleWorld on Friday, they failed to progress - for two reasons.

Firstly, Newcastle were unwilling to meet Leicester’s rumoured £55m+ asking price 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.

Although there is some disappointment at seeing Maddison go elsewhere, the imminent arrival of Sandro Tonali from AC Milan will bring plenty of smiles to Tyneside.

The Magpies agreed a £52million deal to sign the Italian midfielder last week before he underwent his medical over the weekend.

United head of recruitment Steve Nickson flew over to Romania, where Tonali is currently based with under-21s for the European Championship, to finalise the move.

The 23-year-old will sign a six-year contract, worth a reported £6.8m-per-season, which is set to make him the club’s highest earner.

It is hoped Tonali can be unveiled as Newcastle’s first summer signing before the week is over.