The Daily Mail have revealed that Leicester City have opened talks over a new contract with rumoured Tottenham target James Maddison.
Reports over the last few weeks have indicated that Spurs are on the lookout for a creative midfielder (Evening Standard) with Maddison said to be a player Antonio Conte likes (Ben Jacobs and Dean Jones via GiveMeSport).
The Leicester star has also been the subject of heavy interest from Newcastle United this summer, with the Magpies thought to have had offers rejected by the Foxes for the attacking midfielder (Luke Edwards).
The Mail have now confirmed that after rejecting two multiple offers from Eddie Howe’s men, Leicester are now keen to tie down Maddison, whose current contract at the King Power Stadium runs until 2024.
The report claims that Leicester are prepared to give England international a pay rise on his current £100,000-a-week salary in order to tie down his long-term future.
The Mail also quote Brendan Rodgers as admitting that the Foxes have had dialogue with the 25-year-old’s camp several times.
When asked if the club are in discussions with Maddison’s agents over a new deal, the Leicester boss said: “I believe so, I believe they’ve spoken. Yeah, Jon [Rudkin, director of football] has spoken to them a number of times, yes.’ I’m pretty sure the club would want to do that. Both sides have to be able to find an agreement.
MORE SPURS STORIES
“With James, with two years left, naturally the club would want to protect the asset. But it works both ways. Sometimes, everything goes onto the club.
“If a player – I’m not saying James – doesn’t want to sign it, then it can be a stalemate. But absolutely, he’s an outstanding player and of course, Leicester City would benefit from keeping him longer.”
Spurs Web Opinion
One would expect Wesley Fofana’s potential sale to relieve some of Leicester’s financial owes and allow them to hang on to Maddison.
It is also apparent that the 25-year-old has not really attracted concrete interest from any club other than Newcastle, and so, he might be tempted to sign a new deal.
Spurs never really appeared to have considered the Leicester star as a target this summer.
Keep up to date with all the latest Tottenham news and opinion by following SpursWeb’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.
