Tottenham can save millions by offering ‘future captain’ Winks in Maddison swap

Tottenham have a swap deal that could help them lower Leicester’s asking price in their pursuit of James Maddison as they chase a marquee signing for Ange Postecoglou. Spurs are looking to strike a deal for the England man, but could part ways with a player who had been tipped to take over from Hugo Lloris as captain in order to do so.

Postecoglou’s outfit are thought to be frontrunners for Maddison’s signature after Newcastle cooled their interest, following the signing of Sandro Tonali from AC Milan. Spurs have reportedly indicated a willingness to pay £40million in add-ons for Maddison, but relegated Leicester have previously set a price tag of £60m despite the 26-year-old having just a year left on his contract.

There is optimism that a deal can be reached despite the difference in valuations, as the two sides remain in talks. One bargaining chip that Spurs do have to help lower Maddison’s asking price is to offer a player in exchange, with Leicester also interested in signing Harry Winks to help lead the Foxes in their promotion charge.

The Telegraph have claimed that Leicester are set to make an offer for Winks, who spent last season out on loan at Sampdoria and is unlikely to have a future in north London under Postecoglou. Negotiations are underway for the midfielder with just a year left on his contract, who is expected to be one of 10 potential departures under the Australian boss’ ruthless cull.

The fee Leicester are prepared to pay for Winks remains to be seen, as Spurs are yet to slap a public price tag on their academy product. But the opportunity exists where he could help bridge the gap in negotiations between the two sides, to ensure that Maddison completes a move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

It would mark a disappointing end to Winks’ career at Spurs, however, having been tipped to become a future captain down the line by club icon Gary Mabbutt. The 27-year-old has made over 200 appearances since coming through their youth system and making his debut in 2014 under Mauricio Pochettino.