Despite the ongoing speculation surrounding Harry Kane’s future, James Maddison hopes that Kane will remain at Tottenham, emphasizing that the rumors have not diverted the focus of his new teammates.
Maddison recently became one of the initial signings during Ange Postecoglou’s tenure at Spurs, completing a £40 million transfer from Leicester last month.
However, the uncertainty surrounding Kane’s potential departure to Bayern Munich remains a prominent topic. The German club is reportedly eager to secure the England international and is preparing a new bid for the 30-year-old striker.
Amidst ongoing discussions about Kane’s future, which even included a Bayern shirt with “Kane 9” presented to Postecoglou during a media event on the club’s recent Asia-Pacific tour, Maddison affirmed that Kane’s professionalism has ensured that the matter has not disrupted the team’s focus.
Speaking at the TNT Sports start-of-season event in London, Maddison stated, “It hasn’t been a distraction; Harry is super professional.”
“I won’t go into details because I don’t know anything and let’s be respectful about Harry’s situation.
“Everyone knows what Harry Kane is like, he’s a super professional guy and whatever club he is at, whenever he goes into training he gives 100% and it’s the same as all the lads so not [a distraction] at all really.
“We were friends before I joined Tottenham from the England squad, we have similar interests and get on well anyway away from football.
“I would love Harry Kane to stay. He’s the best No9 in the world in my opinion but what will be, will be and Harry is super professional.”
While much of the focus has been on the Premier League title match between Manchester City and Arsenal, things have recently become ugly for a few clubs at the other end of the league.
The fear of being relegated has set in with only four games remaining, and clubs are risking everything to make sure they avoid the drop.
At least eight clubs were in danger of closing a few weeks ago. However, Bournemouth, Wolves, and Crystal Palace have since fought their way to safety.
With 37 points right now, West Ham are also essentially secure, even if they fall short of the fabled 40-point threshold.
This leaves five clubs; Nottingham Forrest, Everton, Leicester City, Leeds United and Southampton in the danger zone.
The first two recorded huge wins on May 8 but will still need to do more in the coming weeks.
Should any of these clubs go down, they will be in danger of losing their key players, who would almost certainly find new clubs in the top flight. Sports Brief has compiled a list of players who are likely to move on if their clubs go down.
1. Leicester City
There is absolutely no way the massively talented James Maddison will play in the championship.
Maddison can play behind the striker, as a winger or in midfield and would attract plenty of admirers.
Newcastle United are already keeping tabs on him. His midfield compatriot Youri Tielemans has also in the past attracted interest from Arsenal.
Other mentions; Harvey Barnes
2. Southampton
Name a better dead ball specialist than James Ward-Prowse; we will wait. The Southampton skipper is unlikely to go down with his team. His leadership qualities and pass range could come in handy for a different team. Same applies to Manchester City graduate Romeo Lavia who has been one of the positives of the Saints’ season.
Other mentions; Carlos Alcaraz
3. Leeds United
It is hard to understand how the Lilly Whites are struggling with their talented squad. Wilfried Gnonto has been linked with top clubs like Juventus, Napoli and PSG.
Ilan Meslier is also perceived as one of the best young goalkeepers and could attract interest from clubs like Chelsea and Manchester United, who are in the market for new custodians.
Other mentions; Patrick Bamford.
4. Everton
Should the Toffees go down, England’s national team’s number-one shot-stopper Jordan Pickford will certainly move on. Pickford could easily slot in at a top-six club. Dominic Calvert-Lewin has also been an exciting striking prospect despite his injury issues.
Other mentions; Dwight McNeil
5. Nottingham Forrest
Steve Cooper’s side bought an excess of 20 players who have so far failed to gel properly. Brennan Johnson has been arguably their best player and the onus will be on him to find new employers if they can’t maintain top-flight status. Morgan Gibbs White could also be an option for clubs looking for an adept ball carrier.
Keylor Navas would have been an obvious pick but he is on loan.
Other mentions; Taiwo Awoniyi
There is no shortage of talent in the teams fighting for relegation. Top-flight clubs could easily move in and sign players at considerable amounts.
Premier League’s biggest time wasters
Sports Brief has also reported that interesting data has exposed Newcastle United as the biggest time-wasters in the Premier League this season.
The Magpies, under Eddie Howe, have been a force to reckon with and are well on course to qualifying for the Champions League.
Their brilliance came to play once again on Sunday, May 7, albeit via defeat against title hopefuls Arsenal, who emerged with a 2-0 win under difficult circumstances at St James’ Park.
James Maddison’s time at Leicester looks to be coming to an end.
The 26-year-old playmaker appears set for a switch this summer, with the Foxes reportedly ready to sell regardless of whether or not they are relegated.
With funds limited at the King Power Stadium, club chiefs are ready to cash in on their star man as he approaches the final year of his contract.
Ahead of Leicester’s crucial clash with Fulham this afternoon, we consider what the future has in store for Maddison.
Firing Fox
Despite the Foxes enduring a difficult campaign, Maddison has still made a significant impact.
He has registered nine league goals and a team-high eight assists this term, seven of which have come from open play.
Leicester’s No10 has also demonstrated his ability to disrupt defences with the ball at his feet, completing a commendable 34 of his 63 attempted take-ons.
Read more: All the latest transfer news
Just like Jack
Leicester boss Dean Smith sees similarities between Maddison and Jack Grealish — who helped Aston Villa to Premier League survival, before earning a move to Manchester City.
He said: “I think they are different types of players but similar characters, in all honesty. Both know that they’ve got the ability and both want to push themselves to become the best.
“I think, when you’ve got players that have that personality and character, they push you as coaches and you want to go and help them become better players. James [Maddison] seems to have that as well.
“He’s always looking to see what he can do better. He’s really engaging in the meetings we have and tactical meetings, and very vocal as well. I can see that similarity of wanting to push himself.
“He wants to talk tactics with you, and football. He’s a football nut, a bit like Jack [Grealish] was as well.”
Leicester’s James Maddison has scored three league goals from outside of the box this term
Magpies circling
With teams preparing to pounce for the Foxes’ talisman, Newcastle reportedly lead the race as things stand.
Eddie Howe has his side in contention for continental football next term, when he will need additional creative options in his midfield.
The Magpies often rely on their wide players to conjure opportunities but Maddison could provide a threat centrally having created an impressive 62 chances this season.
That would help relieve the pressure on right-back Kieran Trippier as the Tynesiders’ current creator-in-chief.
James Maddison has been Leicester’s key creative figure this term
Schmeichel’s advice
Maddison’s former Leicester team-mate Kasper Schmeichel believes that Champions League football should be a priority for the England international next season.
Speaking last week, Schmeichel said: “He [Maddison] can go wherever he wants really.
“I would love him to stay at Leicester but if he is to move on at some point it’s about choosing the right place.
“I think he has the ability to play at the highest level because the personality he is, when he knows everyone is watching, that’s when he comes alive.
“When you’re playing in the top teams, playing in the Champions League, when everyone’s watching, these are the games when he makes a difference.”
James Maddison’s future is set to be one of this summer’s biggest transfer stories
Cottagers challenge
Marco Silva has taken Fulham to a new level this season.
After winning the Championship last term, the Cottagers have already comfortably secured safety and are on target for a top-half finish.
In the reverse fixture, the Foxes lost 1-0, with Maddison absent through injury.
Leicester supporters will be hoping that his presence will make the difference this afternoon and that he can have a survival-securing impact in the weeks ahead before a summer departure.
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