Two journalists claim Tottenham are now in ‘pole position’ for James Maddison

Journalists Dean Jones and Graeme Bailey have both claimed that Tottenham are in pole position to sign James Maddison this summer, despite recent reports.

This comes after Sky Sports reported this week that Newcastle United were leading the race for the Leicester City midfielder following the Foxes’ relegation from the Premier League.

The Telegraph have claimed that Ange Postecoglou has already identified Maddison as his ‘priority’ transfer target for the summer, just a week after being named as the new Spurs head coach.

The same report said that Leicester are holding out for over £50m for their talisman, despite Maddison having just one year remaining on his current contract.

The Daily Star went as far as to report that Tottenham had submitted an opening bid for Maddison this week, although the £40m value was below Leicester’s rumoured asking price.

Bailey and Jones appear to be confident that Spurs are in the driving seat for the England midfielder this summer though.

Tottenham apparently in pole position for Maddison

On Chasing The Transfer, Jones said: “I’ll be completely honest with you, I think Tottenham have the jump on Newcastle here.

“I think that Tottenham are slightly ahead of them. I think in terms of the lines of communication that are opening here to get a deal done for James Maddison, the people that will be doing the deal, I think that Tottenham probably have better connections here.”

Bailey replied: “I agree with you. I think Tottenham are in pole position here.

“As long as Maddison likes Ange Postecoglou and wants to play Ange ball at Tottenham, I make them favourites at this point. They’ll pay more than Newcastle are willing to pay.”

Spurs Web Opinion:

I wish I could say I was as confident as these two. I do think it will ultimately come down to where Maddison wants to go. Spurs and Newcastle will likely both bid around £45m-£50m for him. So, will it be living in London or the lure of Champions League?