OPINION
Tottenham surely have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Leicester City playmaker James Maddison after it was reported that the player was happy to stay at the Foxes.
The Daily Star previously reported that Spurs, Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City had all enquired about the 22-year-old attacking midfielder and that the quartet were set to do battle for his signature in the coming weeks.
The national newspaper claimed that Leicester City valued Maddison as being worth £60million but would only be tempted to sell if a ridiculous bid emerged.
If that didn’t make signing Maddison sound difficult enough, it seems they have been dealt another set-back when it comes to their chances of getting him.
The Sun reported on Friday that Maddison wasn’t exactly jumping at the chance to leave the Foxes, despite the likes of Spurs and Man United being keen, and had even informed Leicester City chiefs he is happy at the club.
The British tabloid then went on to add that Maddison is so relaxed about staying put that he could even be persuaded to sign a contract extension despite his current £50,000-a-week Foxes contract (Source: Daily Star) still having four-years left to run on it.
This reported stance surely damages Spurs’ chances of getting him as it doesn’t seem like the 22-year-old is willing to help a move go through and if anything it looks like he is helping drive up his price tag.
If Maddison signs a new deal, then Leicester City will be even more within their rights to only sell him if an offer greater than £60million emerges.
So with that in mind, maybe Spurs should start looking for alternative players to sign as Maddison looks out of their reach.