Why Spurs stepped up James Maddison bid and gazumped Newcastle

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Newcastle United are set to miss out in the race to sign James Maddison, with Tottenham Hotspur agreeing a deal for the midfielder.

It had been reported that the Magpies had cooled their interest, and now Spurs are acting fast to get this transfer sewn up.

Tuesday brought news of personal terms being agreed, meaning Tottenham and Leicester just needed to decide on a fee. Now that hurdle has been overcome as well.

According to the Telegraph, Ange Postecoglu’s side are going to pay £40million for Maddison. The deal also includes performance related add-ons. The report states that the Foxes wanted £60million, but softened their stance ahead of their return to training ahead of next season.

It appears they wanted the deal done before preparations for the next campaign begin, and they are getting their wish. That is why things have moved fast from Leicester’s end, and the Telegraph explain why Spurs have acted swiftly too.

Tottenham were concerned about Newcastle as Maddison deal edges closer

The Telegraph state that Tottenham were mindful of interest from Newcastle, and that is why they stepped up their bid to sign Maddison and push through a deal.

They are going to win the race, but the general consensus among Toon fans is that we have not missed out. Sure, he is an ‘exceptional‘ footballer and a proven Premier League talent who would add goals and assists to an already exciting team, but his heart is set on a move elsewhere.

That appears to be the top and bottom of it, which is why Newcastle are likely happy to look elsewhere. The Magpies will now search for an alternative, which could lead to a bid for RB Leipzig’s Dominik Szoboszlai.

Toon fans would be more enthused about an approach for the 22-year-old Hungarian, and that could become a reality now that a move for Maddison is out of the question.