Patrick Bamford is the definition of a marmite figure. You either love him or you hate him, and in the eyes of many supporters at half time on Saturday afternoon, the feeling was one of disdain.
The 26-year-old had struck the post in the opening 45 minutes before being berated by fans over the interval.
At times this term, he’s received staunch criticism but he’s also been applauded for his work rate. However, come full-time at Kenilworth Road, there must have been a feeling of love.
Not only did Bamford open the scoring but he also slid the ball home to win his side the game on 90 minutes.
For someone who hadn’t scored in ten games prior to netting against Blackburn before the international break, his movement oozed of someone with confidence.
The former Middlesbrough man is very much a form player. He bagged four in his first five outings of the season but after a run of dreadful outings, there were calls for Eddie Nketiah to start.
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He is still yet to achieve that in the league and he’s made his feelings all too clear. It didn’t seem to matter how poorly Bamford performed, he’d always get the nod.
A recent injury halted his chances just as it looked as though he may be due a run of starts but with his competition for a place in the side now back among the goals, he should be fearful.
The above image is from Bamford’s first goal against the Hatters on Saturday. He took the ball in his stride and then fired it unerringly past James Shea in goal. It was a tidy finish and one that should strike fear into Nketiah’s body.
Coming back from injury is never easy but now it’ll be even harder given Leeds’ number nine is fit and firing.
For Nketiah, his chances of breaking into the team look at an all-time low.
Glasgow Rangers decided to overhaul their playing squad in the recent summer transfer window, by allowing a number of experienced players to move on from the club.
Philippe Clement and their head of recruitment opted to allow Connor Goldson, Ryan Jack, Borna Barisic, Jon McLaughlin, Kemar Roofe, Ben Davies, Todd Cantwell, and John Lundstram to leave Ibrox, permanently or on loan.
This allowed Rangers to bring in new recruits to freshen up and bolster the squad, with the likes of Connor Barron, Jefte, Vaclav Cerny, Robin Propper, and Nedim Bajrami, among others, brought in before the deadline.
Barisic was allowed to leave on a free transfer at the end of the 2023/24 campaign after six years of service in Glasgow, in which time the Croatia international racked up 54 assists in 236 appearances in all competitions.
Glasgow Rangers defender Borna Barisic.
The 31-year-old left-back’s departure from Ibrox opened the door for the Gers to sign another player in that position to compete with Ridvan Yilmaz for the starting spot on the left side of the defence.
Clement and Koppen went out into the market to sign a young and promising player for that role, snapping up 20-year-old Brazilian gem Jefte.
How much Rangers paid for Jefte
It was reported that the Scottish Premiership giants agreed a deal with Fluminense worth around €800k (£600k) for the young defender in the summer transfer window.
Whilst it was a relatively cheap deal for the Light Blues, it was also claimed that the Brazilian club will retain 20% of his rights, which means that they would be entitled to a sizeable chunk of any future fee the full-back is sold for further down the line.
As a 20-year-old, there should not be any pressure for Jefte to hit the ground running and be a roaring success in his first season with the Gers.
He has plenty of time left ahead of him to develop and learn over the years to come, which means that the youngster could improve over time and increase in value as a result.
Jefte learned a tough lesson in the club’s Champions League qualifying clash with Dynamo Kyiv last month, as he was sent off for two bookable offences, but has also shown signs of promise in the Scottish Premiership.
The former Fluminense prospect has started each of the last three games for Rangers at left-back, due to Ridvan Yilmaz’s absence, and impressed with his most recent showing.
Sofascore rating
7.6
Tackles + interceptions
4
Pass accuracy
86%
Dribbles completed
2/2
Ground duels won
6/7
As you can see in the table above, the Brazilian full-back was solid defensively, winning six of his seven duels on the ground, and reliable in possession.
The Gers number 22 has won 61% of his ground duels in total in the Premiership so far this season and this shows that he has provided a strong presence down the flank.
Things could have been very different for the left-back position at Ibrox, however, if former Rangers head coach Giovanni van Bronckhorst had got his wish, as the Dutchman missed out on one of his targets for that role.
Rangers' interest in Ian Maatsen
Speaking on Dutch show VTBL earlier this year, the ex-Gers manager revealed that Netherlands international Ian Maatsen was a target for the club during his time at Ibrox.
The now-Besiktas boss claimed that the young left-back, who was described as “special” by writer Tom Overend, was on his transfer “list” as he wanted to bring the talented gem to Glasgow to bolster his squad.
However, van Bronckhorst added that it did not work out in the end and Rangers were unable to strike a deal with Premier League side Chelsea for his services, although he did not reveal whether it would have been a permanent or a loan move for the dynamo.
Former Chelsea defender Ian Maatsen
The only transfer window of the Dutchman’s reign at Ibrox that Maatsen would have been available for would have been the summer transfer window of 2022, between his loan spells with Coventry City and Burnley in the English Championship.
Ultimately, Burnley won the race for his services on a season-long loan deal in the summer of 2022 and he went on to win the Championship title with Vincent Kompany’s side.
Ian Maatsen's current market valuation
During the recent summer transfer window, Premier League side Aston Villa swooped in to sign Maatsen from Chelsea for a reported fee of £37.5m.
It was claimed that there was a £35m release clause in his contract with the Blues and that it expired before the Villans came to negotiate the deal for his signature.
That move means that the 22-year-old sensation is worth roughly £37m more than the current first-choice left-back at Rangers, Jefte, just over two years on from van Bronckhorst’s failure to lure him to Ibrox.
Whilst it remains unclear as to whether he was keen on a permanent deal or a loan for Maatsen, the Dutch full-back appears to be one that got away for the Light Blues.
In the season after the Gers attempted to sign him, the left-footed whiz caught the eye with his attacking contributions from left-back for Burnley in the Championship.
Appearances
39
Goals
4
Big chances created
11
Assists
6
Ground duel success rate
51%
As you can see in the table above, Maatsen reached double figures for goal contributions in 39 appearances, whilst creating 11 ‘big chances’ for his teammates in total.
The Netherlands international then made 12 appearances in the Premier League for Chelsea during the first half of the 2023/24 campaign, before being sent out on loan to Borussia Dortmund.
Maatsen produced three goals and two assists in 23 outings for the German giants in all competitions, and played seven matches on their run to the Champions League final – losing to Real Madrid in the final at Wembley.
Barron will love him: Rangers have exciting teen who's a 'heck of a player'
The Light Blues youngster could be a future first-team option for the Belgian boss.
ByDan Emery Sep 22, 2024
His career has gone from strength to strength, most recently being signed for a whopping £37.5m, since van Bronckhorst tried to sign him for Rangers, which is why he is one that got away.
Manchester United are already planning ahead for the 2025 transfer window, and have identified a key position to strengthen with two new faces next summer, according to reports.
Ten Hag under fire
It has been an all-too familiar three games under Erik ten Hag to kick off Manchester United's Premier League campaign. Scraping a 1-0 win against Fulham, they were then beaten late on by Brighton at the AMEX stadium before being thrashed by Liverpool.
Three points after three games with no discernible style of play taking shape at Old Trafford has understandably set alarm bells ringing in the north-west once more, just two months after the club's hierarchy handed Ten Hag a contract extension in the wake of his FA Cup success, which rescued a season in which they finished eighth with a negative goal difference.
Speaking ahead of Manchester United's clash with Southampton, Ten Hag continued to fight bullishly: "We're in the transition period, we have to integrate a lot of young players in the team.
"We have to bring the injuries back in the team. Before anyone thinks about excuses, we have to win every game, I know that, the team knows this. We will focus on every game and have the mindset we have to win," the United boss told the media.
Man Utd ace was worth just £250k when Ten Hag joined, now he's worth £46m
The incredible talent has the world at his feet.
ByJack Salveson Holmes Sep 13, 2024
"Of course, when we see the scores nobody is happy. But the players have a very good sense of the process. We are in a good position. But we have to improve and we have to step up."
The Red Devils boss will be boosted by the availability of deadline day addition Manuel Ugarte, who arrived from Paris Saint Germain to bolster Manchester United's midfield ranks. But if reports are to be believed, United are already making preparations for next season behind the scenes.
Man Utd eye up two midfielders
That comes as GiveMeSport claim that the Red Devils are eyeing up two midfield additions next summer as they look to remedy what remains a problem area. Casemiro's age and form, combined with the lack of gametime for Christian Eriksen, means that Ten Hag has been forced into using Kobbie Mainoo virtually every game since he broke into the first team.
Manchester United's midfield options
Player
PL starts since start of 23/24
Casemiro
27
Kobbie Mainoo
27
Christian Eriksen
12
Manuel Ugarte
0
The arrival of Ugarte will help add more options in midfield at Old Trafford, but with both Eriksen and Casemiro likely to have left by next season, fresh blood will be needed. Now, the report details that "they want to strengthen their options [in midfield] with up to two signings in 2025", one who is "is ready to challenge" and another "emerging star".
In the latter category, they are keeping a close eye on Sverre Halseth Nypan, who currently plays for Norweigian side Rosenborg BK. The 17-year-old has previously admitted that joining Manchester United would be a "dream" and now his form is ensuring that a move could well become a reality.
Not 18-years-old until the end of the year, Nypan has featured 19 times in 2024 for Rosenborg in the Norweigian top flight, scoring five goals and grabbing 6 assists in that time.
With Manchester United's new-found desire to gamble on youth with the likes of Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee, he could be a very savvy addition if he is able to sustain his form across the next 12 months, though United are unlikely to be the only interested party.
There's an old adage in football that the table must not be judged until Christmas. Until then, it's full throttle ahead. Fight, fight, fight, but don't look at the leaderboard looming overhead.
Just fight. It's a maxim that Everton will have embraced after the opening matches of the Premier League campaign, for Sean Dyche has tasted defeat, three on the bounce, to sentence his side to the bottommost position England's top-flight offers.
Last season, the Toffees lost their opening three league fixtures and all was rather gloomy at Goodison Park, but Dyche is a stoic sort and he rallied his troops as the campaign shuffled forward, finishing comfortably in 16th despite being hit with an eight-point deduction for financial breaches.
At this stage, the Blues will be focused on finding a vein of form to lift them away from the relegation fodder, but as they chase their quarry it's paramount that the most influential players at the outfit stay fit, bringing a focal presence.
We're not just talking about Dominic Calvert-Lewin, but he's one of the most obvious…
The importance of Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Calvert-Lewin featured regularly last season, and though the England international found the back of the net just seven times, his return to fitness was welcomed after previous years of frustration and persistent setbacks.
He finished strong too, with four goals throughout April and May, and though Everton have endured a tough time to start the new season off, his goal-and-assist performance against Bournemouth suggests that he could be ready for an influential campaign.
A strikeforce to stoke the fears of divisional rivals does remain… elusive, but Everton have been faced with a new problem across these opening weeks of the season: a lack of defensive security.
Last year was characterised by an ebb and flow, but the push and pull of form rarely saw the backline sit at the crux of the problems.
1.
Arsenal
18
2.
Man City
17
3.
Everton
13
4.
Liverpool
10
5.
Fulham
10
Of course, Everton lost their first three games last season, so can right the wrongs of August. Moreover, Jarrad Branthwaite has yet to grace the season with his presence, and the significance of this cannot be understated.
Jarrad Branthwaite's absence
It's been keenly felt. Branthwaite is a hulking mass of muscle and energy, a defensive demon cruising toward a starring spot in the Premier League. In the words of former CEO Keith Wyness, he's a "generational" talent.
Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite
He was excellent last season, fusing with the experienced James Tarkowski and keeping 12 of those 13 clean sheets across his 35 appearances, but he's been sidelined since pre-season with a groin problem and does not look likely to return as his side take on Aston Villa this weekend.
There is a pattern. Last year, Branthwaite was benched across Everton's opening two matches, with both ending in defeat to an aggregate scoreline of 5-0. He missed one match thereafter, due to a yellow-card suspension, and has been acclaimed for his tough-tackling and commanding displays at the rear.
Everton hope to see greater fluency and confidence over the coming months but the 22-year-old will be a key cog in achieving this, ranking around the 20% mark of defenders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for tackles, interceptions, clearances, blocks and aerial battles won per 90, as per FBref.
He's aggressive but not to a fault. Standing at 6 foot 5, it's no surprise that Branthwaite won 67% of his aerial battles last year, but he also won 68% of his ground duels too.
Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite
To contextualise that: Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, widely considered one of Europe's finest defenders, won 64% of his ground duels last year and has emerged on top 60% of the time across the opening three Premier League games this term.
Talent scout Jacek Kulig described him as an "absolute monster", and Everton fans will be hoping for his imminent return to fitness, for Michael Keane does not bring more than a semblance of security to Dyche's defensive line.
Jarrad Branthwaite's market value in 2024/25
Everton have lacked all sense of tactical and defensive purchase thus far, though the defeat against Bournemouth last time out was caused by a late-stage collapse that negated the fine work of 85 minutes.
The quality and togetherness are there, they really are. Time and time again Everton have battled through adversity to preserve their top-flight status, and Dyche has the tools to ensure that remains.
He has Branthwaite. The centre-half, who made his Three Lions debut in June, was certainly not short of suitors throughout the summer – with the ghastly prospect of Liverpool signing him emerging, though, of course, this proved to be little more than hearsay.
Far more concrete, however, was the interest of Manchester United, with David Ornstein revealing that Erik ten Hag's side had made a lowball bid of £35m back in June, swiftly rejected.
The Red Devils had proposed enticing terms that would have seen Branthwaite's earnings skyrocket toward £160k per week, but it fell some distance wide of the £75m valuation that the Merseysiders demanded.
Everton believe Branthwaite sits at the table of Europe's finest defenders, with that valuation arriving in the same ballpark as figures paid for Van Dijk, Wesley Fofana and Harry Maguire, to name a few in the Premier League.
What this means, incredibly, is that Branthwaite's market value has soared since Dyche's appointment back in January 2023, when the up-and-coming defender was enjoying a loan spell in the Netherlands with PSV Eindhoven.
Transfermarkt crunched the numbers and worked out that the Englishman was worth just £6m at that time, with his significant rise since a product of his tireless work and keen-edged footballing mind, mixed with a healthy portion of elite athleticism and natural talent.
In fact, his current £75m price tag means that his value has risen by a ludicrous 1150%, truly cementing him as one of the finest players Everton have boasted in a long while.
Buckle up, it's going to be an interesting season. But with Branthwaite at the back, there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic.
Everton must regret offloading Koeman signing who outscored DCL in 23/24
The talent has found his goalscoring touch in recent years.
Aston Villa have submitted an enquiry to ask about the summer availability of Leicester City forward Harvey Barnes, according to reports.
Is Harvey Barnes leaving Leicester?
The Foxes academy graduate has overcome loan spells at MK Dons, Barnsley and West Bromwich Albion to become a regular first-team feature at the King Power Stadium, where he made 32 starts from 38 Premier League games last season, establishing himself as the club’s best-performing offensive player.
Despite still having two years to run on his contract with Enzo Maresca’s side, the 25-year-old is expected to be one of the next prized assets to get cashed in on following James Maddison’s move to Tottenham Hotspur, and should he depart, he’s got admirers in Unai Emery, Monchi and NSWE.
During a Q&A for BirminghamLive, Villa Park reporter John Townley confirmed that the left-sided winger is indeed a “target” for this window and broke the news that he would be “open to joining”, and this appears to have prompted the hierarchy to make their first official move.
Are Aston Villa signing Barnes?
According to The Daily Mail, Aston Villa have "enquired" to discover the chances of a swoop for Barnes ahead of the 2023/24 campaign. Premier League rivals West Ham United and Spurs have also made contact, whilst Newcastle United are credited with an interest as well.
Leicester's attacker is "set to leave" this summer and clearly isn't short of potential suitors in the top-flight, but where his next home will be is "not yet known". The Foxes are "optimistic" that they will be able to demand a fee of £35m for their youth product, though it remains to be seen whether this is a price that any of the mentioned clubs would be happy to meet.
Leicester City forward Harvey Barnes.
What could Barnes bring to the Midlands?
Aston Villa will recognise Barnes being Leicester’s top-performing offensive player last season, showing his ability to step up and making an impact in a struggling side – that type of mentality could serve him well on the European stage.
He is of course naturally a wide player, possessing a creative flair that's led him to be labelled a “livewire” in the final third, as lauded by BBC pundit Alan Hutton, but he would also bring an extremely prolific edge to Emery’s attacking ranks should he put pen to paper.
During the 2022/23 campaign, England’s former international clocked up 14 goal contributions (13 goals and one assist) in 34 outings and over the course of the term and recorded a total of 72 shots, which was the second-highest number throughout the whole of his squad, as per FBRef, showing that he always has an eye on hitting the back of the net.
The Burnley-born talent, who has experience of playing in the Europa League, would also provide the boss with remarkable versatility having operated in nine various positions since the start of his career, including everywhere across the frontline and in the midfield, making him a great option to have when competing in several competitions.
Finally, Barnes shares the same agent, Wasserman, as Tyrone Mings and Leander Dendoncker, so this existing connection that his representative already has to the club could give them a small edge over their competitors should they try and pursue a deal in the weeks ahead.
With outgoings aplenty and reports of replacements on their way, Chelsea could field a much-changed line-up on the opening day of the Premier League season against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.
It will be the start of what will be a crucial first season for Mauricio Pochettino and the Blues, who will be looking to make an instant return to the Champions League. It may take time for a new-look squad to gel, however, as the new boss attempts to find his strongest starting line-up.
With that said, we've taken a look at the potential new additions to Pochettino's line-up after the summer transfer window.
4 GK: Mike Maignan
AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
Following the pending departure of Edouard Mendy, Chelsea are short on a goalkeeper to compete with Kepa Arrizabalaga next season. And that's where Mike Maignan could come in, with the shot-stopper valued at £30m (via Yahoo).
According to The Telegraph, the Blues are considering making a move for the AC Milan shot-stopper this summer with Kepa's number-one spot in doubt under Pochettino.
3 CB: Levi Colwill
Not exactly a new signing, but Levi Colwill more than showed that he's capable of stepping into Chelsea's side next season after playing a key role at Brighton under Roberto de Zerbi in the last campaign.
The young defender can form a solid partnership with Wesley Fofana next season, finally adding some much-needed stability to the backline at Stamford Bridge.
It makes sense for Chelsea to keep hold of Colwill after letting Kalidou Koulibaly leave to Saudi Arabia this summer, too. The last thing they want is to be short on options.
2 CM: Moises Caicedo
Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo.
After playing a pivotal role in Brighton & Hove Albion's Europa League qualification last season, Moises Caicedo is unsurprisingly a man in demand this summer. And, according to reports, it is Chelsea who lead the way.
As per Fabrizio Romano, the Blues are set to open talks with Brighton for the midfielder and personal terms are not an issue as the London club prepare to go full steam ahead for a deal – though a fee will reportedly cost over £80m.
Caicedo would likely replace N'Golo Kante in Chelsea's side after the Frenchman swapped London for Saudi Arabia this summer.
1 ST: Nicolas Jackson
Villarreal striker Nicolas Jackson.
According to Romano and Will Unwin of The Guardian, Chelsea have completed the signing of Villarreal forward Nicolas Jackson for £31.8m, as they look to solve their goal-scoring issues.
Scoring just 38 goals last season, the London club are in desperate need of a capable goalscorer, especially with Kai Havertz on the verge of joining Arsenal.
The hope will be that Jackson, who scored 12 La Liga goals last season, can take things up a level or two under Pochettino and become the striker that's needed at Stamford Bridge.
Pochettino's potential line-up: Mike Maignan; Reece James; Levi Colewill; Wesley Fofana; Ben Chilwell; Moises Caicedo; Enzo Fernandes; Conor Gallagher; Noni Madueke; Nicolas Jackson; Raheem Sterling
Newcastle United have added another player to their transfer radar this summer, with Football Insider reporting that Conor Gallagher is on their wanted list.
Are Newcastle United signing Conor Gallagher?
The midfielder was finally given a chance in the Chelsea first-team this campaign, featuring 35 times in the Premier League for the Blues over the year. He also managed three goals and one assist from the centre of the field despite his side's struggles, with the Blues finishing outside of the top half.
It was his showings during a spell with Crystal Palace that propelled him into the starting eleven with his parent club for the 2022/23 season. He featured 34 times for them and bagged eight goals and three assists – leading to his best campaign yet in terms of goal contributions. He wasn't able to hit the same heights back at Stamford Bridge but his showings have clearly still led to interest in his services.
Conor Gallagher Chelsea
That's because, according to a report from Football Insider, Newcastle are one of a number of sides keeping tabs on Gallagher, despite their very advanced move for AC Milan's Sandro Tonali.
He's believed to be on their wanted list during this summer transfer window, but they have yet to make an official offer for his services. They also face competition to add him to their ranks from Brighton and Tottenham too.
Neither of those clubs have made a concrete bid yet either but it appears as though the Seagulls could potentially try and use Moises Caicedo as a bargaining tool in a potential deal – something that Newcastle don't have.
Should they sign Gallagher along with Tonali?
It's unclear how much Gallagher could potentially cost Newcastle should they launch an official bid for the player, but CIES Football Observatory suggest that his value could be around the 40 million Euro mark (or £34.3m).
And he could be worth it too – his former boss Thomas Tuchel drew comparisons between the youngster and N'Golo Kante, and while that may be a bit of a reach, it showcases how highly he is viewed. This is further backed by football journalist Josh Bunting also praising his "stunning" ability in front of goal from his time in the Chelsea first-team.
Considering the money that the Toon now have at their disposal, they could certainly afford a fee around the suggested value. Signing Gallagher to add more end product while adding Tonali – who is expected to sign soon – to provide more balance and composure in deeper positions could bring an excellent does of quality and depth into the Magpies' central ranks.
West Ham United have their sights set on Joao Palhinha and are now preparing to make an initial offer for the player, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Are West Ham United signing Joao Palhinha?
The Portugal international, who currently stars for Fulham, had an excellent first campaign in the Premier League in 2022/23. The Cottagers surprised many by not battling near the relegation zone after their promotion from the Championship and instead bursting into the top ten in the top flight. Palhinha had a key role to play in that success, as he featured on 35 occasions for the club in the league and even bagged three goals along the way.
Not only did he produce a joint-best individual year in terms of his goal haul but he also had plenty to contribute in defence too. When you compare Palhinha to others in his position amongst the Men's 'Top Five' big leagues in Europe, he is one of the most eye-catching prospects out there at the moment. With a superb rate of 4.26 tackles per 90, it means that he sits in the top one percent in that area for midfielders. With 2.06 aerials won too, he also sits in the top eight per cent for that category.
The 27-year-old then has certainly caught the eye of other clubs and it's the Irons who are the most heavily linked. According to reliable journalist Romano, an initial opening bid be made soon. He states that the Hammers are lining up an offer and that he is seen as a good replacement for Declan Rice, who appears to be heading out of the exit door.
Fulham's Joao Palhinha
Romano said: "West Ham are preparing their first approach for João Palhinha. Not an easy deal with Fulham but he's top of the list for West Ham to replace Declan Rice. Edson Alvarez remains in list but Borussia Dortmund are pushing to agree personal terms after proposal sent."
What is Joao Palhinha's transfer value?
There is no potential fee or asking price mentioned in terms of a bid and although CIES Football Observatory suggest that his value could be about 20 million Euros (or £17m), one would expect that to be much higher in reality considering the Cottagers paid £20m for the player last summer and he's only gotten better since.
It could well be worth splashing out big though when you consider how well he has performed. He's been hailed for his form in the Premier League for example, with football journalist Josh Bunting calling the midfielder "outstanding" and adding that he is "top class" in a variety of different areas. David Moyes then would no doubt love to add such a fantastic player to his side and if he can get a deal done, the worries over a Rice departure might ease for the Hammers.
Tottenham Hotspur are believed to be leading the summer transfer pursuit for the Leicester City England midfielder James Maddison.
How much is James Maddison worth?
This summer will potentially see a lot of change unfold in north London with the recent appointment of Ange Postecoglou promising a fresh start.
Indeed, speaking following his appointment, the Australian has told Spurs fans he hopes to provide them with a brand of football which will excite them:
"I think it’s an exciting opportunity for us to now set off in a new direction, play football and create an environment that embodies the values and traditions of this fantastic football club," he said.
However, whether he currently has the players at his disposal to instil his attacking style of play which comes amid the transfer links to Maddison.
The attacking midfielder has been heavily linked with a move away from the King Power Stadium this summer with the likes of Newcastle United also believed to be interested.
There have been some suggestions that Maddison will be made available for sale this summer but it will cost clubs up to £60m to secure his services.
As a result of the hefty price tag, insider Graeme Bailey has said on the Talking Transfers podcast that Spurs are the more likely suitors for the 26-year-old star:
"What we're getting out of Newcastle, they're not willing to go over £40m, let alone over £50m which is what it's going to take to get Maddison. It's going to be close to a £60m deal. We think at least £50m with add-ons taking it to £60m.
"So as it stands, Newcastle are not willing to go to that price. And if you do believe Newcastle are not going to go there. I make Spurs quite strong favourites to get him, at this moment in time."
Who does James Maddison want to join?
The £110k-per-week star enjoyed an exceptional individual campaign in the Premier League despite the Foxes suffering relegation to the Championship.
Hailed a "magician" by some in the media, the England international was able to return a stunning 10 goals and nine assists in the league alone (via Transfermarkt).
In the not-so-distant past, it has been reported that the 26-year-old would be keen to make a move to London when his time at Leicester comes to an end.
Ange Postecoglou
However, reports over the last week have claimed he is being tempted by the prospect of potentially playing on Tyneside amid their believed interest.
Given the Toon are believed to only have £75m made available for Eddie Howe to spend this summer, it has to be questioned whether Maddison is a viable option.
Newcastle were not believed to be willing to match Leicester's £60m valuation last summer and now he only has one year remaining on his deal, which feels even less likely.
This could well open the door for Spurs to come in and snap up the midfielder who is thought to have been given the thumbs-up by their new boss, Postecoglou.
Liverpool youngster Fabio Carvalho just doesn't fit the system at Anfield, claims RedMenTV host, Ste Hoare.
The 20-year-old joined the Reds last summer and after initially impressing early on this season, things haven't quite gone to plan.
In fact, he's played just eight Premier League minutes in 2023, and that could be down to Jurgen Klopp's tactics.
What's the latest on Fabio Carvalho's future at Liverpool?
The former Fulham midfielder has been linked with a move away from Anfield, but the club are only prepared to let him go out on loan, recently rejecting a £10m bid from Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig.
With the arrival of Alexis Mac Allister, and reports suggesting Liverpool are pursuing several midfielders, there's going to be plenty of competition in the middle of the park for the club, and it seems Carvalho won't fit into plans this season.
A number of Premier League sides, including his former club Fulham are interested in taking the Portuguese youngster on loan, with several offers currently on the table, but it remains to be seen where he'll end up.
What has Ste Hoare said about Fabio Carvalho and Liverpool?
Despite Carvalho's struggles at Liverpool this season, Hoare believes it's not down to talent, but a lack of fit in Klopp's system that has caused the £16m-rated midfielder problems this year.
Speaking to Football FanCast, the RedMenTV host said:
"It's mad because Liverpool tried so hard to sign Carvalho. They beat so many teams, they paid more than they needed to make sure they got him.
"They really liked what they saw and by all accounts, he is a good player, he just doesn't fit the system."
How did Fabio Carvalho perform this season compared to last year?
While making the move from Fulham and Championship football, to one of the Premier League's biggest sides in Liverpool was always going to be tough, Carvalho's spell in Merseyside has seen his game time and output drop drastically.
Across the board, the 20-year-old's statistical numbers have all decreased this year, which is hardly a surprise given his lack of regular minutes.
Last year, the midfielder completed 1.2 dribbles per game for Fulham, seeing that number drop dramatically to 0.2 per game for Klopp's men this season, whilst his WhoScored average rating dropped from 7.11 at Fulham to 6.37 for the Reds, and he went from completing 1.7 key passes per game at Craven Cottage, to a measly 0.1 this campaign.
At 20 years old, there's still plenty of time for Carvalho, who is sponsored by Nike, to turn his Liverpool career around and a spell out on loan may be the catalyst in that, but if he doesn't fit the system now, who's to say he will when he comes back.