Tottenham Hotspur can still sign James Maddison this summer but it is a deal that would cost them dearly, according to transfer insider Dean Jones. 

Antonio Conte has already made six signings this summer as he prepares Spurs for the return of Champions League football next season. 

What is the latest on Maddison? 

Maddison has previously attracted plenty of transfer interest from members of the so-called ‘big six’ but it is safe to say the noise has died down over the past 12 months. 

Just when Leicester were potentially breathing a sigh of relief, however, Conte has seemingly shaken things up once again. 

Paul O’Keefe reported at the start of July that Spurs had a serious interest in signing the £110,000-per-week ace this summer with Conte eager to add a spark of creativity to his midfield unit going forward. 

Spurs reportedly attempted to bring Christian Eriksen back to north London after his impressive short-term spell with Brentford last season but Manchester United ultimately won the race. 

What has Jones said about a potential deal? 

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “I’m told Spurs have touched base over Maddison and a deal would not be impossible but it would cost them a lot of money. Probably more than they would want to spend. But you never know, the door isn’t closed.”

Would Maddison be worth the money?

Ultimately it depends on how Conte sees his side playing next season and whether or noth Maddison would fit into that. 

Last season saw the 25-year-old score 18 goals and provide 12 assists in all competitions, an impressive tally considering how much Leicester underwhelmed in the campaign.

There is no doubting that he is somebody who would add a spark to the middle of the Tottenham side which appears to be Conte’s ambition. 

Last season once again saw Harry Kane dropping deep in order to dictate play for Heung-Min Son and Dejan Kulusevski and Maddison’s presence would help ensure the England captain remains at the business end of the pitch. 

Conte would likely have to be willing to change as well. His beloved 3-4-3 system would mean either Kulusevski and Richarlison would have to sit out for Maddison, or one of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg or Rodrigo Bentancur drop to the bench. 

Last summer Leicester demanded £60 million for his services when Arsenal came calling and while that fee may now vary slightly, with two years still remaining on his deal it will not have exactly plummeted just yet.