Tottenham Could Land "Genius" Nagelsmann Alternative

Tottenham Hotspur are continuing their hunt to find a suitable successor to Antonio Conte in the dugout, with the experienced Italian having finally left his post on Sunday evening after 16 months in charge at N17.

What is the latest on Tottenham's manager search?

According to the Daily Mail, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is believed to have made former Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann his 'top target' to take on the role, with the 35-year-old having only recently been replaced by Thomas Tuchel at the Allianz Arena.

The report suggests, however, that the Lilywhites are considering other candidates for the position, particularly with the German coach likely to also be attracting interest from notable clubs across Europe, including Real Madrid and Chelsea.

The piece goes on to add that former Spain head coach Luis Enrique is among the list of alternative options to take charge at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with The Times previously suggesting that the 52-year-old would be 'open' to talks regarding a move to north London.

Should Spurs appoint Enrique?

In the meantime, Levy and co have opted to hand the reigns to Conte's former assistant Cristian Stellini as well as Ryan Mason until the end of the season, with that giving the club's hierarchy the breathing space needed to be able to appoint the right, long-term fit for the role.

Unsurprisingly, the aforementioned Nagelsmann has emerged as a leading candidate following his fresh exit from Bayern, with the former RB Leipzig boss having been shown the door despite losing just three games in all competitions this season.

It was seemingly off-field issues that led to the sacking of the one-time Hoffenheim man, with BBC Sport journalist Constantin Eckner writing that 'players regularly complained too about Nagelsmann's training style', with the young coach having also been branded something of a 'know-it-all'.

As The Athletic's Raphael Honigstein also noted, Nagelsmann had also been unable to ever 'really connect' with the dressing room in Bavaria, having seemingly not been the uniting presence that the club were in need of.

Former Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann

To bring a potentially unpopular figure to Spurs may then appear a notable mistake, particularly with the current squad in need of a managerial presence who can "put smiles back on people's faces", as per journalist Tom Williams, following the sour end to Conte's time in charge.

Enrique, then, could be the leader-like figure who can bring the good times back to north London, with the former Barcelona man having been hailed by Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales, who stated back in December:

"He renewed the blood of the National Team with players under 20 years of age and reunited everyone around the Spain team."

Also described as a "top-level manager" by Rubiales, Enrique – who notably won the treble in 2015 during his time at Camp Nou – would certainly be another marquee appointment as far as Levy is concerned.

The "coaching genius" – as hailed by journalist Muhammad Butt – could also reportedly provide the benefit of being able to tempt talisman Harry Kane into staying at the club, while pundit Chris Sutton suggested that both Levy and supporters would "love" Enrique due to his eye-catching "brand of football".

It does appear that a hasty decision won't be made with the end of the season still a few months away, although the one-time Roma boss could seemingly be a dream candidate.

West Ham United Ready To Submit Bid For £20m Striker

West Ham United are preparing an offer to bring Coventry City striker Viktor Gyokeres to the Premier League, according to reports.

What's the latest on Gyokeres to West Ham?

The Sky Blues forward has now entered the final 18 months of his contract at the Building Society Arena and being Mark Robins' top-performing offensive player, alongside establising himself as the current second-highest goalscorer in the Championship, has caught the eye of David Moyes and the Irons hierarchy.

Back in November, Football League World credited the Irons, Crystal Palace, Southampton and Everton with an interest in the 24-year-old, who could well be on the move this summer should a sizable enough proposal be put on the table. 90min have further reported that the Midlands outfit are bracing themselves for bids at the end of the season, and have therefore set a price tag of £20m, which is a £4m increase on the £16m that they were demanding in January.

Now, according to Football Insider, West Ham are "ready to fight" their fellow competitors to make sure that they win the race for Gyokeres ahead of the 2023/24 term. The London Stadium outfit are supposedly ready to offer their target the "best financial package" above all of his other potential suitors, meaning that Moyes' side are "well-placed" to come out on top. The hierarchy are "ready to submit" a large offer to see off their rivals in the form of Leeds, Everton, Palace, Brentford and Fulham.

Coventry City forward Viktor Gyokeres.

Should West Ham splash the cash on Gyokeres?

West Ham acquired the services of Aston Villa's former striker Danny Ings in January, but Michail Antonio's future was extremely uncertain having admitted to a close friend that he could have departed before the end of the window, so should he leave at the end of the season, Gyokeres would be the perfect attacking replacement.

The Sweden international has a remarkable return in the final third this season having racked up 26 goal contributions (18 goals and eight assists) in 38 Championship appearances, where he's currently averaging 3.1 shots per game, form which has seen him take home an outstanding eight man-of-the-match awards.

The 6 foot 2 target man also ranks in the 99th percentile for progressive carries and the 98th percentile for most shot-creating actions, via FBRef, showing that he's always looking to produce moments of magic even when he's not always on the scoresheet.

Dubbed an "unplayable" attacker by his Coventry teammate Maxime Biamou, Gyokeres can operate on the left and right wings, as a second striker and even on the left and right side of a midfield four alongside his natural centre-forward role, so would add plenty of versatility to Moyes' squad.

Leicester Could Attract 47 y/o Manager In Summer

Leicester City could still appeal to Graham Potter, however, he is looking to sit out until the end of the campaign having been sacked by Chelsea over the weekend.

Could Potter sign in the summer?

It is believed the Foxes made an immediate approach to the now-former Chelsea manager after parting ways with Brendan Rodgers over the weekend.

However, it is also believed the 47-year-old rejected the approach as he looks to enjoy a short break from the game on the back of the disappointment of being sacked by the Londoners.

The Foxes sit in a seriously concerning spot in the table with just nine games remaining as they find themselves slumped down in 19th spot.

Adam Sadler and Mike Stowell are the caretaker coaches in charge of the relegation battlers but they did not get off to the best of starts on Tuesday night.

A big point against an in-form Aston Villa was lost in the dying minutes of the game as their relegation worries were only compounded.

But speaking on the Talking Transfers podcast, insider Graeme Bailey has claimed the club could still appeal for Potter in the summer if they are able to survive:

(19:35) "I still think he has an interest there and I think if there was an interim manager at Leicester which I think they're considering, someone short term, I think Potter then again in the summer. I wouldn't completely rule him out going to Leicester but in the summer."

"But yeah, they don't know who they want yet, but I think they may go short-term, from what we're hearing."

Is Potter perfect for Leicester?

There may be some fans who may hold the rejection against Potter, however, on the back of what was a seriously underwhelming spell at Stamford Bridge, perhaps it was best for all.

Potter's time at Chelsea was undeniably a failure with the Blues slumped in 11th spot upon his sacking and perhaps he was not in the right frame of mind to take on a job straight away.

However, there are a lot of potential positives to suggest he could do at Leicester from his time at Brighton & Hove Albion where he developed a number of players.

Graham Potter and Brendan Rodgers manage from the sidelines as Leicester City host Chelsea in the Premier League.

The likes of Lewis Dunk, Yves Bissouma and Leandro Trossard all developed under Potter during his time on the south coast (via Transfermarkt).

And with the Leicester squad full of young talents like Harvey Barnes and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, perhaps Potter is the man to extract the best out of their potential.

However, there surely has to be a massive caveat on his reported intrigue in the job at Leicester as relegation to the Championship could prove a major issue.

Not only could it see Potter look elsewhere, but it could see a number of their exciting prospects look to leave in search of Premier League football.

Leeds: £40k-p/w Star Let Gracia Down Vs Liverpool

Leeds United fell to yet another Premier League defeat last night in embarrassing fashion, as Liverpool cruised to victory at Elland Road.

Having gone into the break 2-0 down, a glimmer of hope returned when Luis Sinisterra halved the deficit after a fast start to the second half. The home crowd whipped up a frenzy as they sensed a comeback, but again the Whites shot themselves in the foot to concede just five minutes later. A subsequent three goals would follow, capping off a torrid night.

Having shipped six goals at home, just one week after conceding five to Crystal Palace, it has truly launched an inquest within the Yorkshire outfit. Javi Gracia was supposed to promise pragmatism and solidity, a change from the unpredictability that Marcelo Bielsa and Jesse Marsch had made fans accustomed to. However, the Spaniard has seen his side fall into a downward spiral following a short initial upturn in form.

Now, their chances of survival have dropped sharply, with last night an opportunity missed to drag themselves clear of the relegation zone; especially when welcoming a side that had not won since early March in all competitions.

Whilst next to none of the home team will have left the stadium with any credit remaining, few disappointed like Robin Koch.

How did Robin Koch play vs Liverpool?

Again opted to start ahead of club captain Liam Cooper, the German defender put in one of the most torrid displays of the season in front of furious home support.

His 5.4 Sofascore rating did not even begin to scratch the surface of just how poor the 26-year-old was, who has now been at the heart of a defence that has conceded 11 goals in their last 180 minutes of football.

Of the starters, there were just three others who received worse ratings, but it was the anonymity of the centre-back that was truly frustrating. Throughout the full match, Koch could only muster 28 touches, that which Illan Meslier even managed more (30). He went into hiding when they needed him most.

robin-koch-liverpool-leeds-united

The French shot-stopper might well have been the true villain of the night in between the sticks, making just one save as six sailed past him, but he was hardly helped out by his defenders.

Koch's four clearances were the one saving grace of a debilitating display, and it perhaps might paper over the cracks of a performance where the £40k-per-week flop was dribbled past twice, lost four of the seven duels competed in and maintained just a 57% pass accuracy, via Sofascore.

Journalist Graham Smyth even took to Twitter to lambast his role in Liverpool's fourth goal, as he suggested that the defender was first beaten for pace, making it "far too easy" for another goal to go in.

Anyone who is part of a back four that ships six goals at home deserves scorn, but when Koch was particularly culpable, it merits further highlighting.

Chelsea Expected To Sign £17.5m Youth Prospect

Chelsea are expected to confirm the signing of Kendry Paez following the Premier League and FA's approval of the proposed deal for the 15-year-old.

Who is Kendry Paez?

It has been a season to forget in west London with Chelsea's seasons leaving a lot to be desired with a huge amount of money spent and nothing to show for it.

Of course, it is still early in the tenure of Todd Boehly, however, the American's arrival at Stamford Bridge has provided a lot of criticism with the Blues sat slumped in 11th spot.

Around £600m has been spent since his arrival and two managers have been sacked by the American owner, but that has seemingly not put him off.

Indeed, it appears the Blues could be set to welcome another new arrival in the form of the 15-year-old midfielder Paez from Independiente del Valle.

The Ecuadorian has been branded as "one of the best youngsters in world football" but the west London side will not be able to play him for a number of years given his age.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano has claimed the Blues are now expected to announce the deal shortly on the back of the approval from the governing bodies:

(3:45) "And then guys, important news for Chelsea for the future because many of you maybe for the present still saying who is this talented guy. You maybe don't know him and it's normal because he's 15 years old. But trust me this is a top talent."

(4:30) "And so what's going on? Chelsea have full agreement with Independiente del Valle for this boy to join in two years when he will turn 18 – due to the rules, of course.

"But what's going on? Now Premier League and FA – the Football Association – have both approved the deal. So everything is set to be signed. They were waiting for this approval. Now everything has the green light and so Kendry Paez will be in England for the medical test, to sign the contract and then everything would be announced."

Is Chelsea a good move for Paez?

A number of the Chelsea academy products have become members of the first team with the likes of Mason Mount a key example of this.

However, it is apparent that the path to the first team will not be an easy one for the Ecuadorian given the club's willingness to splash the cash to improve their side.

Perhaps the money involved in the deal (£17.5m) could suggest that actually he is a player who the club do view as a real prospect for the future of the club.

Todd Boehly watches on from the stands at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea play in the Premier League.

And Boehly has not been shy in spending money on young players with Andrey Santos having already been brought into the club for a significant fee.

Chelsea's managerial issue remains hanging in the balance with Frank Lampard the interim manager until the end of the campaign.

And it will be interesting to see whether Boehly's search for a new manager will see someone who provides young players with an opportunity hired ahead of next season.

There is clearly a lot that needs to be resolved on the pitch at Stamford Bridge, however, it does seem as if the long-term future is being planned for by the American owner.

Arsenal: £36m "beast" is what Arteta needed

Arsenal are in grave danger of letting the Premier League title slip from their grasp.

Of course, no one could have predicted the Gunners being in this position eight months but to collapse this late on, with three successive draws allowing Manchester City back into the race, it would be something of a disappointment.

Mikel Arteta's squad depth has been really tested in recent outings and the absence of William Saliba through injury could well be the sticking point that haunts the Emirates Stadium for years to come as the Frenchman just does not have an adequate backup for a title race.

Rob Holding and January recruit Jakub Kiwior – seen as one for the future – are the alternatives, whilst Takehiro Tomiyasu – if fit – would allow Ben White back into the middle.

Edu Gaspar and co's failure to sign a talented central defender that could push both Saliba and his first-choice counterpart Gabriel Magalhaes could well cost them, and they got a taste of what could've been two weeks ago when they squared up with Liverpool at Anfield.

Among the centre-backs on show was Ibrahima Konate, a player that was strongly linked with a switch to Arsenal back in November 2020, via German outlet Sport BILD.

How close was Ibrahima Konate from joining Arsenal?

The report suggested that the Gunners had been monitoring the young Frenchman ahead of a potential move and also revealed that he had a release clause of just €50m (£45m).

At the end of that campaign, it was their Premier League rivals who snapped him up from RB Leipzig for just £36m.

Konate even revealed that both Arsene Wenger and Thierry Henry's past comments about Anfield helped him decide on his future – speaking to Onze Mondial, he said:

"One day, Thierry Henry said on television that he would have liked to play in Liverpool.

"Arsene Wenger and many other great managers have said that Anfield is an extraordinary stadium. I live it as a player, it's real."

How has Konate done at Liverpool?

The 23-year-old has emerged as a key player for Jurgen Klopp, often being the preferred partner to Virgil van Dijk, having started each of their last eight fixtures in the English top-flight, including the aforementioned 2-2 draw with Arsenal.

Konate came out of the game as one of the Reds' top performers as senior writer Mike Craven hailed him as a "beast" for his defensive work against the league leaders.

Indeed, the Paris-born colossus won 73% of his duels, including 100% of his headers and registered five tackles, three interceptions one block. He even had an expected goals (xG) ratio of 0.59 for one chance, via Sofascore.

Arsenal's Bukayo Saka in action with Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate

At the other end of the pitch, Holding was a little rocky, having earned the third-lowest rating of any starter between the two sides.

He also won just 44% of his duels, both in the air and on the ground, and failed miserably in thwarting Klopp's lethal attack, not only conceding a penalty but also having one error that led to a shot, via Sofascore.

The difference between the two was night and day, and it could have been an all too different story had Edu won the race for Konate's signature 18 months ago.

Earning around £70k-per-week in Merseyside, the former Leipzig titan has also been hailed as an "absolute dream" by Liverpool legend Phil Thompson, only compounding Arteta's misery even more as he really could have done with his presence in the absence of Saliba.

Konate could well have been that 'dream' for Arsenal, and one that allowed them to avoid this Holding nightmare, on their charge to a first Premier League title in nearly a decade.

West Ham: Who Is Gideon Kodua?

West Ham battered Arsenal 5-1 in the FA Youth Cup Final on Tuesday evening to win the trophy for the first time since 1999.

That side over 20 years ago featured the likes of Michael Carrick and Joe Cole, but this new crop of supremely talented youngsters made history at the Emirates Stadium in front of 8,000 rapturous away fans.

Incredibly, it was the Gunners who went ahead after seven minutes, but the Irons produced a stirring and sensational comeback in the form of five unanswered goals.

Kevin Keen, the Hammers coach, was immensely proud of his squad and said: “This is my 40th year in football and that’s the proudest I’ve ever been. The crowd were like an extra man for us. It’s a massive moment for a club that is very well known for our academy and hopefully some of them can go on to have really strong careers for the club.”

This academy side possesses abundant raw, intoxicating, and captivating talent as it has just been crowned as the Premier League U18 South champions too.

Their demolition of Jack Wilshere’s academy products will serve as another pivotal indication of the host of spritely gifts that the East London outfit has at its disposal.

Gideon Kodua, the captain and scorer of the third goal, was one of the standout performers and is beginning to forge a massive future for himself.

Who is Gideon Kodua?

The forward has been with the Irons since 2017 after being scouted playing for Newham District and made his U18s debut in a 4-1 thrashing over Reading in April 2021.

In the 2021/22 season, his first full campaign as a regular starter in the U18s he scored 13 goals in 28 appearances, operating as either a right-winger or central striker.

West-Ham-lifting-the-FA-Youth-Cup

The following season, he was in even more potent form, as the attacker netted ten goals in 16 U18 Premier League games, playing a key role in the title victory.

The Englishman was also a pivotal figure in the FA Youth Cup as his side secured the domestic double.

Just before half-time, Arsenal defender Josh Robinson miscontrolled a pass in the centre circle and Kudoa ruthlessly punished the mistake with an awe-inspiring 35-yard chip to put the Hammers 3-1 ahead.

The teenager has an impressive crop to follow in the footsteps of with the aforementioned Carrick and Cole bursting through to become England regulars.

The same can be said of Declan Rice. Although he never tasted Youth Cup success like Kodua, he was the pride and joy of the youth set-up after moving away from Chelsea.

The midfielder is now an £80m player in waiting and one of the first names on the teamsheet for Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions.

So “special” is Kodua – as per non-league manager Kiernan Hughes-Mason – that he could well live up to the same raw potential in the coming years.

Indeed, he has emerged as a mind-blowing blend of power, technique, and dynamism akin to that of Rice. We have been told to “remember the name” and this exciting starlet brimming with limitless potential will certainly be a prospect to closely monitor moving forward.

Chelsea Planning Move For "World-Class" Attacker

Chelsea are reportedly planning a bid for former Liverpool attacker Sadio Mane in the summer transfer window, according to a new report.

How is Mane doing at Bayern Munich?

The 31-year-old's future is a big talking point at the moment, with a summer exit from Bayern Munich potentially on the cards. He has had a disappointing first season in Germany, with form and injuries holding him back, while a scuffle with Leroy Sane also hasn't helped matters.

Mane has been linked with a move to Chelsea instead, as the Blues eye up possible summer signings for incoming manager Mauricio Pochettino. He could be viewed as the central attacking option they are so desperate for, having moved from his initial wide position during his latter days at Liverpool.

It looks as though a summer move to west London is far from out of the question, with a fresh claim further suggesting that their interest isn't going away.

Bayern Munich forward Sadio Mane.

Could Mane make summer move to Chelsea?

According to Football Insider, Chelsea chiefs are "planning to submit a proposal" for Mane in the near future, with Bayern "willing to sell the 31-year-old Liverpool legend despite his return to Thomas Tuchel’s starting eleven".

It is further stated that the Blues "want to make Mane their first summer signing" under Pochettino, in what needs to be one of the most productive transfer windows in a long time at Stamford Bridge. The incoming manager is thought to be "keen" on acquiring the Senegalese sensation's signature, seeing him as a good option to come in and bolster his squad.

Chelsea signing Mane this summer would feel like a gamble, even though his pedigree as one of the leading wide players is undeniable, having been lauded as "world-class" by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp in the past. At 31, he may not quite be the unplayable force he was three or four years ago, losing some of his blistering pace and not having the all-round influence he once did.

That being said, a return to the Premier League could give the 95-cap and 35-goal Senegal international a new lease of his life, and if Pochettino believes he still has enough in his legs to be a great signing by the Blues, he should be trusted in getting him in. The risk element is clear, with a younger option like Victor Osimhen arguably making more sense, but 111 goals in 263 Premier League appearances shows that he knows the division inside out.

Sri Lanka recall Maharoof for England, Ireland ODIs

Allrounder Farveez Maharoof, who last played an international game in March 2012, has been recalled to the Sri Lanka side for the upcoming ODI matches against Ireland and England

ESPNcricinfo staff08-Jun-2016Allrounder Farveez Maharoof, who last played an international game in March 2012, has been recalled to the Sri Lanka side for the upcoming ODI matches against Ireland and England.Maharoof and four other players – allrounder Danushka Gunathilaka, legspinner Seekkuge Prasanna, offspinner Suraj Randiv and batsman Upul Tharanga – will fly to the UK to join the current Sri Lankan squad on tour. Some Test specialists are expected to return to Sri Lanka, but the selectors have not yet told the team which players will depart. Sri Lanka are set to play Ireland on June 16 and 18, before the five-match series against England starts from June 21.Thisara Perera in SL A squad

Allrounder Thisara Perera has been named in the Sri Lanka A one-day squad for the upcoming tour of England. Perera has had a lean run for Sri Lanka in limited-overs cricket since the start of 2015, scoring 282 runs in 33 international matches at an average of 11.75, while taking 25 wickets. He was also left out of Sri Lanka’s ODI squad for the matches against Ireland and England. The four-day and one-day squads will be led by batsman Ashan Priyanjan and also include wicketkeeper-batsman Niroshan Dickwella, who is currently part of the Test squad. The team, which will be coached by former opening batsman Avishka Gunawardene, will start with a tour match against Durham before two four-day matches against Pakistan A from July 3. This will be followed by a tri-series between Sri Lanka A, Pakistan A and England Lions, starting from July 18.
Sri Lanka A squad (four-day) Ashan Priyanjan (capt), Mahela Udawatte, Udara Jayasundera, Madawa Warnapura, Niroshan Dickwella, Roshen Silva, Angelo Perera, Minod Bhanuka, Charith Asalanka, Sachith Pathirana, Lahiru Gamage, Kasun Rajitha, Vishwa Fernando, Asitha Fernando, Ramith Rambukwella, Prabath Jayasuriya
Sri Lanka A squad (one-day) Ashan Priyanjan (capt), Mahela Udawatte, Udara Jayasundera, Bhanuka Rajapakse, Niroshan Dickwella, Kithuruwan Vithanage, Angelo Perera, Minod Bhanuka, Charith Asalanka, Sachith Pathirana, Thisara Perera, Lahiru Gamage, Kasun Rajitha, Mohomed Dilshad, Asitha Fernando, Ramith Rambukwella, Lakshan Sandakan

Sri Lanka will be without spinner Rangana Herath and fast bowlers Dhammika Prasad and Dushmantha Chameera. While Herath announced his retirement from limited-overs cricket in April, both Prasad and Chameera were ruled out of the tour due to injuries. Prasad suffered a shoulder injury in the lead-up to the first Test against England at Headingley, and Chameera returned home after playing only one Test due to a stress fracture on his lower back.Maharoof, 31, was the leading wicket-taker in Sri Lanka’s List A competition, the Premier Limited Over Tournament, in 2015-16, taking 16 wickets in five matches at an average of 6.31. He also struck 77 runs for Nondescripts Cricket Club in the tournament. Overall, Maharoof has played 22 Tests, 104 ODIs and seven T20Is and has taken 133 ODI wickets.Randiv, too, performed well for his side, Galle Cricket Club, in the Premier Limited Over Tournament, finishing as their leading wicket-taker with seven dismissals in five matches. The offspinner last played for Sri Lanka in November 2014, touring India for a five-ODI series.Notable absences from the squad include Nuwan Kulasekara, who recently retired from Tests to focus on the shorter formats, and Thisara Perera. Though once a key bowler in the limited-overs attack, Kulasekara’s form appeared to have dipped over a two-year period. His 25 ODI wickets since the start of 2014 have come at an average of 42.8. Thisara Perera has also been dropped thanks to slide in form.Batsman Tharanga has not played for Sri Lanka since July last year, but makes his way back to the squad after an impressive first-class season, in which he struck 803 Premier League runs at an average of 61.76. He has more recently also been among the runs in the Dhaka Premier League, in which he hit four scores of 70 or more in seven innings. He may be in contention to open the batting, as Tillakaratne Dilshan has opted out of the tour. Kusal Perera and Gunathilaka are the other potential opening batsmen on tour.The selection of Maharoof, Tharanga and Randiv is a slight departure from the selection panel’s quest for youth and regeneration. All three players – Tharanga in particular – have enjoyed limited-overs success at times in their career, but had been discarded due to loss of form.

Newcastle United Still Interested In "Exceptional" £110k-p/w Star

Newcastle United's interest in Leicester City midfielder James Maddison has "never dissipated", but there will be a number of Premier League teams in the race for his signature, according to transfer insider Graeme Bailey.

What's the latest Newcastle transfer news?

Newcastle are keen on bringing in new midfield options this summer, and they have now been linked with a move for Southampton's James Ward-Prowse, who could be on the move after the Saints' relegation from the top flight.

New wide options are also of interest to the Magpies, and they are willing to spend big to win the race for Barcelona winger Raphinha, while they are also said to be preparing an offer for Bayer Leverkusen's Moussa Diaby.

Maddison would tick both boxes for Eddie Howe, given that he is capable of playing through the middle and on either wing, and there has now been an update on the future of the Leicester star.

In an interview with TEAMtalk, Bailey claimed that the Englishman has been a long-term target for Newcastle, while also indicating they could be set to reignite their interest in the summer.

The transfer insider said: “I am told that Newcastle’s interest in Maddison has never dissipated. They have wanted him since last summer, it is a target agreed upon throughout the club from the board, to Dan Ashworth to Eddie Howe, they are in sync.

“Newcastle also know what sort of price the deal will be, however, there is a lot of interest. Newcastle will not have a clear run at him.

“Sources close to the player insist there are a number of clubs showing an interest. We know Tottenham have always been big fans and remain so, whilst I wouldn’t rule out Liverpool coming in for him.

Should Newcastle sign James Maddison?

The £110k-per-week maestro has been a shining light in a poor Leicester team this season, averaging a Sofascore match rating of 7.40 in the Premier League, head and shoulders above any other player in the squad.

Hailed as "exceptional" by talkSPORT's Andy Goldstein, the England international has weighed in with ten goals and nine assists in 27 league outings this season, with the latter figure ranking him sixth in the entire top flight.

Maddison has recorded incredible attacking numbers in a struggling side, indicating he could go on to do even better things when surrounded by better players, and Newcastle should undoubtedly make him a key target this summer.

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