James Maddison
James Maddison (Image: Icon Sport via Getty Images)
Aston Villa have once again been linked with a move for Tottenham Hotspur playmaker and England international James Maddison ahead of the forthcoming summer transfer window.
Maddison, 28, was most recently linked with a move to Villa Park when his former side Leicester City suffered relegation from the Premier League in the summer of 2023, but a move didn't materialise and instead Spurs completed his signing.
Into his second season at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Maddison will still have three years remaining on his Spurs deal come this summer but he has reportedly been identified as a player of interest by Villa boss Unai Emery.
Maddison, who is currently valued at £60m, originates from Coventry and came through the ranks at the Sky Blues before moving to Leicester in 2016. In what has otherwise proved to be a pretty disappointing campaign for Spurs this season, he has contributed with 17 goals and assists across 35 appearances in all competitions.
Reports in Spain claim that Maddison is high up on Emery's wishlist in the summer; while Spurs aren't in a rush to sell the player and would demand a sizeable fee in the event they did, it's likely that - unless they win the Europa League - there'll be no European football competition for the club to participate in next season.
Villa, of course, still must secure European football of some form themselves but they have the advantage of being able to offer working with Emery, who is currently extracting improved performances from Maddison's England colleague Marcus Rashford, who joined on loan from Manchester United in January.
What is Villa's transfer priority in the summer? Tell us HERE
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