By Abimbola Ogunnaike
Tottenham have submitted a joint bid for James Maddison and Harvey Barnes following Leicester’s relegation from the Premier League, Daily Mail Football reports.
The duo is in demand after contributing 23 goals and 10 assists between them last term in a struggling team, with Newcastle also interested in both, and West Ham and Aston Villa keeping a close eye on Barnes.
But it is thought Spurs have made the first move, with the combined offer – believed to be in excess of £50million – set to be rejected by Leicester.
Mail Sport reported on June 8 that Spurs had made the signing of Maddison a priority for this summer, though Newcastle have been following the playmaker closely for the last 12 months, and can offer Champions League football.
Maddison has only a year left on his contract, meaning Leicester must sell him this summer to recover a sizeable fee. The 26-year-old is currently with the England squad preparing for Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta on Friday, 16 June, 2023 and North Macedonia on Monday, 19 June, 2023.
Though Barnes’ deal does not expire until summer 2025, Leicester’s drop into the Championship means a sharp decline in revenue and player sales are needed to close that gap.
Leicester was demanding about £60m for each player individually a year ago but are unlikely to hit those numbers this time.
Spurs have however deny that they have submitted a bid for Maddison and Barnes.
Meanwhile, Manchester City coach Enzo Maresca has held talks withLeicester about becoming their new manager though Pep Guardiola would like to keep the Italian on his staff.
The Foxes have been without a permanent boss since sacking Brendan Rodgers on April 2. Dean Smith was placed in interim charge for the final eight games of the season but could not keep Leicester up.
Source: Daily Mail football
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