James Maddison reveals Daniel Levy discussions that made him snub Newcastle for Tottenham

Tottenham won the race to secure the signature of highly-rated midfielder James Maddison despite Newcastle United also keenly contesting for his signature.

The England international was offered a chance to play for Eddie Howe’s side who will be playing in the Champions League next season.

But a move to north London was more appealing in the end, with Maddison choosing to link up with the likes of Harry Kane and Eric Dier.

Maddison made 203 appearances for Leicester, helping them win the FA before their eventual relegation to the Championship last season.

Blessed with skills and an enviable work ethic, he could have easily played for any of the top six teams, but says speaking to the new manager and chairman Levy made it easy for him to pick the Lilywhites.

he told the club’s website: “I feel a hunger about the place.

“You come here, and you get a feel for the club and the people, everything about it, and it feels brilliant. Like I said, I’m very happy and can’t wait to get going.

“I spoke to the manager, spoke to Daniel [Levy] and they both spoke very highly of everything about the club.”

On speaking to Postecoglou, he said: “Speaking to the manager was very important, how he’s going to be, with that little bit of the unknown, so to have a decent chat with him and to get his thoughts on things, how he sees Spurs going this season.

“He said one thing to me on the call, I hope he won’t mind me saying this, but he said, ‘whether you come or not, you’re going to see a completely different Spurs team under me’, and that kind of stuck with me that he said that.

“Things like that are so important, building a good relationship with him, with Daniel, speaking to other players, obviously, I know a lot of them anyway, and playing against them for so many years, I feel like I have such a good understanding with Tottenham Hotspur Football Club and now I’m part of it.”

Spurs finished eighth last season but have moved fast to try and rebuild their squad having already signed goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario from Empoli before adding Maddsion to their squad.