Leicester City star James Maddison reportedly wants to be a ‘key man’ at his next destination and that means Tottenham are ahead of Manchester City and Newcastle United.

Maddison’s form over the past few seasons have shown him to be one of the league’s shining lights. It’s fair to say he’s one of the best players in the Premier League not playing for a ‘big-six’ side.

That he scored 12 goals and provided eight assists in the Premier League last season reinforces that. Add in his six goals in other competitions and he outscored striker Jamie Vardy.

He’s doing the same this season, too. Indeed, the Englishman is Leicester’s top scorer in all competitions with nine goals, alongside five assists.

And his form was rewarded by a spot in Gareth Southgate’s England side for the World Cup. While he didn’t make it onto the pitch, that he was picked at all showed how much of an important player he’s been of late.

That’s something that has been identified by clubs that are in a better position than Leicester.

Manchester City and Newcastle United are both reportedly interested in the playmaker.

Tottenham have also been linked with a big move for the Foxes man for some time.

Tottenham leading Maddison race

With three big sides in the mix, you’d be forgiven for thinking there could be an all-out war about to take place. Indeed, City and Newcastle are both blessed with rich owners who are able to spend big sums.

With Tottenham in the top four – ahead of the Magpies – they also seem in a good position.

And despite not being in quite as good a position as the rival pair financially, it’s reported they’re in the lead. Indeed, Football Insider suggests Maddison wants to be a ‘key man’ wherever he ends up in the summer.

With that something that can ‘likely be offered to him by Spurs’ it seems they might be ahead of their rivals.

Indeed, Maddison’s favoured position is no.10. He’s played the majority of his career there, despite often being deployed out wide at the moment under Brendan Rodgers.

Spurs don’t really have that sort of player, so he could slot right in behind the attackers. City have a host of players who can play there: Bernardo Silva, Jack Grealish, Phil Foden and Kevin De Bruyne.

Newcastle also have Joelinton, Allan Saint-Maximin and Joe Willock to call upon in the no.10 position.

Money not a problem for Spurs

For a side like Leicester, who are no strangers to losing big players given their status, recouping a good sum will be important. As such, while Maddison’s wishes will be taken into account due to what he’s given to the club, they’ll also want to be paid well.

With that being said, it might appear that City and Newcastle are better placed to land the star than Spurs.

Indeed, the north London outfit spent most of January reportedly trying to pay Sporting Lisbon less than what they were asking for to land Pedro Porro.

However, it seems they won’t have a problem with paying the big bucks for Maddison.

Indeed, Football Insider suggests they are ‘able to compete with the free-spending pair in terms of big-money transfer fees and potential wage demands’.

As such, everything points to Spurs getting the deal over the line at the moment. Adding another top asset to their side’s attacking ranks should make them stronger as they attempt to challenge for the title.

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