Tottenham are reportedly considering a huge move to prise James Maddison away from Leicester in January amid a Brendan Rodgers admission over the playmaker’s future.
The Foxes star has been in sublime form this season, proving far and away Leicester’s best player. He has five goals and two assists already this season from just seven appearances in the Premier League. By his own admission, Maddison is currently in the “best form of his career”.
However, his future remains shrouded in doubt. He was the subject of two failed approaches from Newcastle over the summer. But their second offer – worth an initial £45m with £5m in add-ons – was quickly rejected by the Foxes.
That decision appears to have paid dividends with Leicester surely facing a far worse predicament than they are currently in had they lost him.
That said, his deal at the King Power Stadium is due to expire in summer 2024. And talks over an extension are yet to see an agreement reached.
As a result, the Foxes appear likely to lose Maddison some time soon.
The Magpies continue to monitor the England hopeful ahead of the January window, with Eddie Howe’s side seemingly plotting a third move for his services.
But Tottenham are reportedly also keen and they are seemingly considering a move for his services in the new year.
Their boss Antonio Conte is a huge admirer of the 25-year-old and sees him as being able to offer his side something different.
Spurs tipped to make James Maddison transfer approach
And the prospects of an approach by Spurs is something that transfer expert Dean Jones can also envisage in January.
Speaking before their clash with Nottingham Forest on the Monday, Jones told GiveMeSport why he thinks a move will happen.
“They’ve got a big game on Monday and they’ll be looking to turn around their season. If they can’t do that, then I think there’ll be a few clubs, probably including Tottenham, knocking on the door in January.”
Last season, Maddison netted 18 goals and added another 12 assists. And his skills with a deadball makes him one of the best free-kick takers around.
However, despite his contract having just 18 months left to run in January, Leicester are unwilling to sanction his exit on the cheap.
Indeed, they are reportedly still seeking a minimum £60m for his services. Ideally, they would not want to lose him mid-season, especially given their current struggles at the wrong end of the Premier League table.
However, with at least two sides keen, Foxes boss Rodgers knows the transfer realities that are facing his team.
And with Maddison seemingly getting better than ever, the Irishman envisages plenty of interest in his star man in January.
Rodgers makes transfer admission
“I would think (there would be),” Rodgers said. “My job is to coach him every day and make him the best he can be.
“It’s only natural you want your absolute best players to be here, and we keep saying that, but we keep losing them. He’s never a player you would want to lose.