By Wayne Veysey

2nd Jun, 2023 | 8:43am

Revealed: Big update on Newcastle bid to sign James Maddison - sources

Newcastle United are now the frontrunners to seal a box-office summer deal for Leicester City star James Maddison, sources have told Football Insider.

It is believed the Magpies are now ahead of Tottenham in the race for the 26-year-old’s signature.

Football Insider revealed on Wednesday (31 May) Tottenham have made Leicester’s Maddison their top summer target despite not having a manager or director of football in place at present.

Both Spurs and Newcastle have registered their interest in the England international and are now pushing for a deal.

However, a well-placed source has told Football Insider that uncertainty over the next manager and recruitment situation at the London club means the Magpies are now well-placed to agree a deal.

It is believed Eddie Howe’s side are close to a breakthrough in negotiations with the player, who was relegated with Leicester at the end of the 2022-23 campaign.

Football Insider revealed on Thursday (1 June) that the midfield star is “almost certain” to exit the King Power Stadium this summer.

Maddison has just over 12 months remaining on his contract with the Foxes, which earns him a reported wage of £110,000-a-week.

He notched 10 goals and nine assists in 30 Premier League games during the 2022-23 campaign – even wearing the armband on occasion.

The former Coventry and Norwich star has managed 43 goals and 34 assists in 163 top-flight appearances since joining Leicester in 2018.

Newcastle will play Champions League football next term for the first time since 2003 following a fourth-place Premier League finish.

Meanwhile, Tottenham – who finished eighth – will be without European football for the first time in 14 years.

In other news, Newcastle slap £100m price tag on star man.