Aston Villa set sights on James Maddison as Tottenham make transfer decision - source

Aston Villa are plotting a move to sign James Maddison and Tottenham Hotspur could be about to let him go.

The 29-year-old has emerged as a target for Unai Emery's side as they aim to strengthen in attacking midfield and they are keeping a close eye on his potential availability.

While Spurs are not believed to be actively looking to move the England international on, there is a feeling they would not stand in his way should an acceptable offer arrive.

Former Aston Villa and Spurs scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Roberto De Zerbi is prepared to let Maddison leave if he can land a replacement.

Maddison spent the majority of last season on the sidelines with a major knee injury before he returned with three substitute appearances in the Premier League's closing weeks.

Aston Villa are believed to have been keepnig a close eye on his recovery and could make a move before pre-season begins if they believe he is ready to return.

Could Aston Villa sign James Maddison?

Brown first told Football Insider in March that Aston Villa are keeping tabs on Maddison and are preparing a potential move to land him this summer should he become available.

Should the attacking midfielder prove he can get back to his best after the long-term injury, Villa could be willing to gamble on his fitness ahead of their pre-season return.

Tottenham, meanwhile, have not ruled out his departure with De Zerbi planning wide-scale improvements to his squad before the season begins.

"It's going to be interesting to see what happens with James Maddison now," Brown told Football Insider.

"From what I hear, Tottenham might be willing to let him go if the right offer arrives, especially if they can bring in some new players and push him down the pecking order.

"They're not forcing him out or anything like that, but De Zerbi is making big changes to his squad, so if they can find a replacement they wouldn't stand in his way.

"Aston Villa have been keeping an eye on his situation, and while it would be a gamble after his injury, they could bring him in and assess his level during pre-season.

"Their scouts have been having a look at him and they will know roughly where he's at and whether the injury has had a major impact. If not, he could be a strong addition.

"It's an area of the pitch where Villa want to improve, so if the opporunity arrives, it wouldn't surprise me to see them make a move."

How do Tottenham feel about selling Maddison?

Tottenham are not actively looking to sell players this summer after their season was largely impacted by injuries and a lack of quality strength in depth behind their starting XI.

Maddison is still viewed as an important part of the squad both on and off the pitch, but with big-name signings targeted, he could be pushed down the pecking order.

Brown told Football Insider in March that Tottenham are happy to keep Maddison and had hoped to keep hold of him even if they were relegated from the Premier League.

Maddison, meanwhile, is happy to remain at Spurs and continue his return from injury with a view to playing more regularly next season.

After securing survival, however, they have set their sights on loftier ambitions with a number of new signings potentially opening the door to his departure.