Tottenham Hotspur could decide to actively target Leicester City midfielder James Maddison if there is an opportunity, according to Alasdair Gold, the club’s correspondent for Football.London.
Tottenham have been linked with a move to sign Maddison in recent weeks (The Express) with his future being up in the air right now. Leicester have not made any transfers so far in the market and will reportedly need to sell before they can invest in any new arrivals.
With Spurs also searching for a creator to add to their ranks (Evening Standard), it has led to suggestions that Maddison could be next in line to move to north London. That is further highlighted by the fact that the Foxes’ wages-to-turnover ratio is very high and unsustainable (The Telegraph), which could force them to unwillingly part ways with their star players.
Now, Gold believes that Antonio Conte’s side could assess their options to pursue Maddison even if the sources within the club played down the links recently. That is if there is a hint from the player’s entourage that a move could be possible in this transfer window.
In his Q&A for Football.London, Gold wrote: “Spurs’ focus right now is on getting players out of the door but they are still looking at opportunities for attacking midfielders and strikers, as well as another centre-back depending on who departs.”
“The club shot down the Maddison links during the Korea tour but I can’t help that feel if there is a movement around the player from other sides and the chance to prise him away arises they might just make a move.”
Our View
Maddison will be a perfect fit if we are planning to bring in a creative midfielder ahead of the next season. He dropped arguably his best campaign ever last time around in a struggling Brendan Rodger’s team. That is quite something indeed, and his addition would certainly help to boost our quality.
Furthermore, we have some issues when it comes to the homegrown numbers needed in the squad (Football.London), so the England international’s arrival could certainly help in that regard. Not to mention, one would expect him to adapt quickly to the squad with his proven Premier League experience.
The 25-year-old’s 18 goals and 12 assists tally from last season (Transfermarkt) are more than impressive indeed. Signing him would offer Conte the chance to tweak the system as he desires since his renowned 3-5-2 formation would become a possibility.
Maddison can play as a number ten, just behind Harry Kane and Richarlison in the attack should Conte decide to go down that route. However, we have already facilitated six signings in this summer transfer window. Hence, any new moves would probably depend on the outgoings we have to make ahead of the upcoming campaign.
