Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Football London
Football London
Sport
Jake Stokes

James Maddison responds to transfer speculation after £40m bid rejected amid Tottenham interest

James Maddison has responded to speculation regarding his future at Leicester City. The 25-year-old was heavily linked with an exit from the King Power Stadium in the summer, with Tottenham Hotspur said to have been interested in signing him.

football.london understood that Antonio Conte was in the market for a No. 10 before the transfer window slammed shut, with Christian Eriksen and Jesse Lingard among those of interest. According to the Telegraph, Newcastle United tabled a £40million bid for Maddison which was rejected.

Ultimately, a move from the Foxes failed to materialise and Maddison is said to be relieved that speculation has now cooled. Speaking to Sky Sports following Leicester's 6-2 loss to Spurs, the midfielder said: "After it shuts, I think there is a bit of a sigh of relief, especially some of the staff at football clubs.

READ MORE: Son Heung-min explains Gian Piero Ventrone moment after Tottenham hat-trick and his celebration

"I think it definitely can be [a chance for others to shine after a lack of Leicester signings]. In tough times, you need your big players and your top players to grab the team. And stick the team on your back, at times."

While Spurs may have not wrapped up a deal in the summer, a move in January looks to still be on the cards. According to former Arsenal striker Ian Wright, Maddison 'wanted to leave', with his Leicester deal set to expire in 2024.

"Maddison, he wanted to leave – Newcastle," Wright told The Kelly and Wrighty Show earlier this month, as quoted by ChronicleLive. "It’s about recruitment. They are not signing that player who comes in and has such a massive impact.

"They are not signing a midfielder to come through. Hopefully, [Boubakary] Soumaré might be able to do it. What’s happened is that the players who are there who can inspire good players who come in, they want to leave. So it’s really a catch-22 for them. They’re so close, but it’s not happening, so they’re like: 'I can leave now.'"

Maddison has featured six times for Leicester in the Premier League this season, directly contributing towards four goals. Despite Brendan Rodgers' side struggling in the early stages of the campaign, the Englishman has impressed as he continues to warrant interest in his services.

READ NEXT:

Details of Hugo Lloris injury emerge as Tottenham given worry before Arsenal North London Derby

The Tottenham line-up and formation Antonio Conte must use to beat Arsenal in North London Derby

Tottenham's next six Premier League fixtures compared to Arsenal, Chelsea and Man Utd

Eric Dier outlines Tottenham objective he is achieving and makes Gareth Southgate England claim

Cristian Romero outlines his preferred position in Tottenham team and reveals Richarlison impact

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.