Sky Sports release James Maddison update after interest from Newcastle and Spurs

According to a Sunday afternoon update from Sky Sports News, Newcastle United are in pole position to sign Leicester City star James Maddison.

They report that we are currently 'leading the race' over Tottenham to sign the 26-year-old attacker after the Foxes suffered relegation to the Championship football last month.

Spurs are expected to 'formalise their interest' following the appointment of Aussie coach Ange Postecoglou, but they suggest our qualification for the Champions League could play a key factor, especially when Spurs' 8th-placed finish has left them out of Europe entirely.

Sky Sports add that Leicester are 'open to offers' for the England international after previously rebuffing our interest both last summer - where we had two bids rejected - and in January.

The creative midfielder is out of contract in 12 months time, giving us some leverage when it comes to the final transfer fee, but recent reports suggest the Midlands club will still demand around £50m for their star man.