Tottenham Hotspur handed major James Maddison boost as Newcastle United talks revealed

Newcastle United are currently some way apart from agreeing a deal to sign Leicester City midfielder James Maddison, NewcastleWorld understands.

The Magpies have maintained contact with their former Premier League counterparts throughout the last 12 months after launching two unsuccessful bids for the England international last summer.

There were tentative enquiries made for Maddison during the January transfer window but United’s move for Anthony Gordon pushed them closer towards their Financial Fair Play limits. 

NewcastleWorld can confirm further talks have taken place in recent weeks but a deal to bring Maddison to St James Park hasn’t progressed, as of yet, for two reasons. 

Firstly, Newcastle are unwilling to meet Leicester’s initial £60million asking price for a player entering the final year of his contract. And secondly, there are issues with Maddison’s personal demands, which are believed to exceed United’s highest earner.

Although Newcastle are aware their wage structure will have to change in the coming years, there is a strong desire to ensure that growth is a gradual process.

With Leicester currently unwilling to budge on their asking price, there is a chance Maddison could still be a Foxes player when they kick off their Championship campaign against Coventry City on the first Sunday of August. 

A deal to allow him to return to the Premier League is still expected to be concluded by the time the summer transfer window closes, but Newcastle’s lack of progress could allow Tottenham Hotspur to strike.

Head coach Eddie Howe is considering other potential options as he looks to strengthen his midfield ahead of a return to the Champions League.

Magpies officials, including sporting director Dan Ashworth and head of recruitment Steve Nickson, are currently working to complete a £60m deal for AC Milan midfielder Sandro Tonali and it is expected the Italy under-21 captain will undergo a medical over the next 48 hours.

As reported by NewcastleWorld in recent days, United have also held further talks with RB Leipzig over a deal for Hungary international Dominik Szoboszlai.