Tottenham in pole position for Liverpool target

Jacque Talbot

• 24 Feb 2023 11:59 GMT
• 3 min read

Tottenham are understood to be in pole position for Leicester City’s James Maddison.

The England international has been linked to the likes of Liverpool, Newcastle and Manchester City.

But FootballInsider are reporting that it is Spurs who are leading the race to sign the attacker.

The report states that Spurs are in need of midfielders for next season as Rodrigo Bentancur is out until November.

Antonio Conte is an admirer of Maddison and hopes to bring him into the fold for next campaign.

Maddison, who is out of contract with the Foxes next year, would either have to agree to fresh terms and sign an extension, or Leicester will have to move him on in order to bring a fee.

The 26-year-old will cost around £60m-£70m as his contract expires in 2024.

Maddison is having another great season with Leicester, and as such, clubs like Tottenham, Man City and Newcastle are also interested in purchasing the star player.

Is it thought that entry to the Champions League could play a big part in his decision this summer - and those clubs who make it into the European competition would hold the advantage.

Maddison's preferred position

As for Newcastle, Maddison would fit perfectly into Eddie Howe’s 4-3-3 system, being used in the centre of midfield.

Maddison had opened up about the No.8 role being his preferred position, rather than being behind the striker.

“I’m not a No.10,” he said. “When the gaffer [Brendan Rodgers] came in, I transitioned into a number eight, and sometimes I play off the left.

“Being a No.8 has made me add that defensive side to my game. I’m never going to be a big tackler, I’m never going to go around smashing people. It’s that awareness and that responsibility of getting little toes in, little interceptions, because as a No.8 you find yourself deeper a lot, so I’ve had to add that.”