Journalist Alex Crook has claimed that new Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou is an ‘admirer’ of reported summer transfer target James Maddison.
Crook has been discussing Maddison’s future on talkSPORT amid claims that Tottenham could move for the Leicester City in the summer.
The 26-year-old looks set to leave King Power Stadium this summer after the club was relegated to the Championship.
Maddison has just over a year left on his current deal and The Telegraph reported back in April that Spurs were leading the race to sign him.
Given the uncertainty surrounding their managerial vacancy, it was previously unclear whether Tottenham would step up their interest in the midfielder.
But after Spurs officially announced Ange Postecoglou as their new manager today, Crook has suggested the Aussie boss is a fan of Maddison.
Postecoglou admires Maddison
Speaking on talkSPORT, the journalist claimed that Maddison will leave Leicester this summer, with both Spurs and Newcastle United keen.
“I think Maddison definitely will go,” Crook said. “The interest from Newcastle, that started last summer, has never really gone away.
“I think Ange Postecoglou is an admirer as well so keep an eye on Tottenham maybe joining that particular race.”
Maddison has been a standout performer for Leicester over the past few seasons and performed well in a struggling side this year.
He had a hand in 19 goals in just 30 Premier League appearances, but his good form wasn’t enough to keep the Foxes out of trouble.
According to The Daily Mirror, Leicester are prepared to hold out for around £50 million for the midfielder this summer. But Spurs will face stern competition for his signature, with the likes of Newcastle, Manchester United and Arsenal said to be interested.
The Spurs News View
Tottenham are crying out for some creativity in the middle of the park and this will be a key area to address under Postecoglou.
The 57-year-old set up his Celtic with just one holding midfielder while playing with two number eights.
Maddison has mainly operated in a more advanced role for Leicester, but he would be a top-quality choice to take up a more attacking role in midfield.
It remains to be seen whether or not Maddison would prefer a move to north London over the likes of Newcastle. But if Postecoglou is keen to bring the Leicester star in, then Spurs should be throwing their hat into the ring at the very least.
Receive a digest of our best Spurs content each week direct to your mailbox
