Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly identified Leicester City midfielder James Maddison as a potential transfer target.
Spurs are currently going through a period of uncertainty with the club having sacked head coach Antonio Conte at the end of last month.
Cristian Stellini, one of Conte's coaching staff, has been given responsibility of trying to guide Spurs into the Champions League, his side sitting in fourth spot in the Premier League standings.
While the North Londoners are facing a scenario where they need to focus their energy on the short term, the powers-that-be have to be looking further in the future.
An appointment of a new boss does not look like being made anytime soon, leaving chairman Daniel Levy to consider potential options in the transfer market.
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According to the Daily Mail, Levy is an admirer of Maddison and is contemplating whether to make an approach ahead of 2023-24.
The England international is nearing the end of his fifth year at the King Power Stadium, contributing 54 goals and 38 assists from 194 appearances in all competitions.
Maddison's form this campaign has led to recognition on the international stage, making the Three Lions World Cup squad and recently starting against Ukraine in Euro 2024 qualifying.
While Leicester would naturally like to retain the services of Maddison, their most prized asset has less than 15 months remaining on his contract.
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With the East Midlands outfit sitting in the Premier League relegation zone, there is realistically no prospect of Maddison penning fresh terms.
Leicester are already expected to lose Youri Tielemans on a free transfer in the summer, and are not in a financial position where they can risk Maddison departing in the same manner.
Newcastle United have previously tried and failed with bids allegedly in the region of £50m, but such offers will have to be considered this summer.
Much may depend on whether either club qualifies for the Champions League with Manchester United and Liverpool having also been credited with an interest.
Darren Plant
