Tottenham are ‘strong favourites’ to sign James Maddison from Leicester with the midfielder preferring a move to the club ahead of Newcastle.
Spurs and Newcastle are targeting a deal for the England international following Leicester’s relegation from the Premier League, with both clubs keen to add the 26-year-old to their creative options ahead of next season.
Leicester value Maddison at around £50m and The Northern Echo are reporting that Spurs are leading Newcastle in the race to sign the midfielder.
Maddison’s preference is understood to be a move to north London over Newcastle, despite the prospect of Champions League football at St James’ Park.
Personal and family reasons are believed to be behind Maddison favouring a switch to Spurs, who will also offer the midfielder a more lucrative contract than on offer at Newcastle.
Maddison’s arrival would be a major boost to new manager Ange Postecoglou who has made the Foxes star a priority signing after arriving at the club from Celtic.
Newcastle saw an initial approach for Maddison turned down last summer as the Magpies look to strengthen in midfield. Eddie Howe’s side have also been linked with a move for Manchester United’s Scott McTominay and Inter Milan’s Nicolo Barella.
