By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

23rd Feb, 2023 | 9:30am

Sources: Tottenham in pole position to beat Newcastle and Man City to James Maddison signing

Tottenham have been handed a boost in the race to sign Leicester star James Maddison this summer, sources have told Football Insider.

It is understood that Maddison wants to be a key man at any potential destination this summer in order to preserve his England place ahead of next year’s (2024) European Championships – a status which can likely be offered to him by Spurs.

Sources told Football Insider on Tuesday (21 February) that a fee of between £60-70million may be enough to prise the 26-year-old away from Leicester at the end of the season – as his contract will have just a year to run.

Tottenham face competition for Maddison’s signature from Man City and Newcastle.

Nevertheless, it is believed that Tottenham are able to compete with the free-spending pair in terms of big-money transfer fees and potential wage demands.

Antonio Conte’s side also currently hold the advantage in the race for Champions League qualification – with Maddison feeling very strongly about playing at the highest level possible.

Fourth-place Tottenham are one point ahead of Newcastle but the Tyneside club have a game in hand.

Leicester want to keep Maddison and have stepped up their efforts to tie him to a new contract, but will not hesitate to cash in if no progress can be made.

The Foxes have a history of getting top dollar for their best assets – with Harry Maguire and Ben Chillwell good recent examples.

Maddison has notched nine goals and five assists in 17 Premier League appearances as a regular starter so far this season.

The one-cap England midfielder travelled to the World Cup in Qatar but failed to appear off the bench.

He would be joining Three Lions teammates Harry Kane and Eric Dier in north London.

In other news, Tottenham expert baffled as Richarlison footage emerges – ‘what is going to happen?’