Tottenham ‘lead race’ for Man Utd, Newcastle target and €19m man is ‘set to sign’ Spurs contract

Lewis Oldham 23 Jun 2023 10:33 AM

According to reports, Tottenham Hotspur are ‘leading the race’ to sign Leicester City and England midfielder James Maddison.

The England international was always likely to return to the Premier League this summer following Leicester City’s relegation on the final day of the 2022/23 campaign.

Maddison can hold his head high after last season as he grabbed ten goals and nine assists in the Premier League in just 30 appearances.

The 26-year-old is out of contract in 2024 so Leicester realistically need to sell him this summer so he does not leave on a free transfer next year. It was claimed earlier this month that he is valued at £55m.

Spurs and Newcastle have been leading the race to sign Maddison, but The Guardian are reporting that the London outfit have ’emerged as the frontrunners in the race to sign Leicester City’s Maddison’.

‘Newcastle have also shown a strong interest’ in Maddison but it is claimed that ‘their priorities lie elsewhere’.

The Magpies are currently focused on signing Sandro Tonali from AC Milan and ‘sources have expressed doubts over them bidding for Maddison’ this summer. The report adds.

‘That would potentially leave the path clear for Spurs to push ahead with a move for the former Norwich City playmaker, although sources close to Leicester have suggested that it could be a while before the north Londoners lodge their next bid. It remains to be seen if Leicester’s financial issues force them to accept a lower fee.

‘Manchester United have also watched Maddison, although it is believed that they are unlikely to sign a No 10 given they already have Bruno Fernandes. Chelsea scouted Maddison extensively when they were managed by Thomas Tuchel but they have other priorities this summer.’

Spurs are also looking to sign a new goalkeeper after it was confirmed that Hugo Lloris will leave upon the expiry of his contract this summer.

They have been heavily linked with Brentford’s David Raya, who is valued at £40m and is also being targeted by Man Utd.

But Empoli’s Guglielmo Vicario has now emerged as a cheaper alternative for Spurs. Earlier this week, it was reported that they have ‘reached an agreement in principle’ to sign him from the Serie A outfit.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano took to Twitter on Friday morning to reveal: “Vicario will fly to London soon as the contract is set to be signed right after medical tests as new Spurs goalkeeper.

“Understand deal will also include add-ons; the fee will be around €19m set to be paid to Empoli.”

Tottenham Hotspur Guglielmo Vicario