Fabrizio Romano provides transfer blow for Newcastle United

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James Maddison appears to be closing in on a summer transfer, but not to Newcastle United.

While the Magpies have chased Maddison since last summer, it looks like he is going to be on his way to Tottenham Hotspur.

It was reported on Monday night that Spurs were stepping up their efforts to agree a deal with the Leicester City midfielder. They want to finalise terms this week and add him to Ange Postecoglu’s squad.

While a bid does not appear to have been accepted yet, Tottenham have made a major move in the race to secure Maddison’s signature.

James Maddison agrees to join Tottenham

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Tottenham and Maddison have agreed personal terms ahead of a transfer to the North London club.

He wrote on Twitter: “Tottenham have agreed personal terms with James Maddison as negotiations with Leicester are finally advancing — talks are underway. Understand Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is very active on this deal, trying to get it done as soon as possible.”

It feels like this transfer saga is going to reach a conclusion very soon, but it is not going to be Newcastle who are celebrating.

Despite the 26-year-old being considered a priority target at the start of the summer, it now appears that the Magpies have cooled their interest in the England international. Why that is remains to be seen – perhaps the money involved is simply too much or the club have an alternative lined up.

But that will be to Tottenham’s benefit, who look like they are closing in on a deal to sign an exceptional footballer.

It was reported in recent weeks that Maddison preferred a move to the London side over Newcastle, and that now seems set to become a reality. That could be another reason why the Magpies have distanced themselves. It was claimed earlier in the year that Eddie Howe’s side would only bid for him if they were his first choice.

A move to Newcastle would give Maddison the chance to play in the Champions League, which is something he has never done in his career. But instead he seems to be off to Spurs, where he will at least have plenty of free time to watch European football, since he won’t be playing it himself.