Journalist Pete O'Rourke has provided his verdict on Tottenham Hotspur's reported interest in Leicester City ace James Maddison, following the Englishman's sparkling early-season form.
What's the word?
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the transfer insider suggested that the 25-year-old could well prove to be a potential successor to former Spurs star Christian Eriksen, with the latter man having left north London back in January 2020 to join Inter Milan.
Amid reports that the Foxes playmaker could be a target for the Lilywhites, O'Rourke stated:
"His stats and numbers for Leicester this season have been superb as well. So, I think he could possibly go in and fill those boots of Christian Eriksen that Spurs have lacked since his departure.”
The former Norwich City man faces an uncertain future at the King Power Stadium with his existing deal set to expire in 2024, having also been the subject of interest from Newcastle United over the summer, with the Magpies reportedly seeing a £50m bid rejected.
Eriksen heir
Signing a new creative midfielder had seemingly been on the agenda for Spurs sporting director Fabio Paratici over the summer, with there having even been reports that the club were keen on bringing that man Eriksen back to the club on a free transfer.
The 30-year-old genius - who has since joined Manchester United in the recent window - had enjoyed a successful stint in the capital prior to his move to Italy just over two years ago, scoring 69 goals and providing 90 assists in 305 games in all competitions after signing from Ajax in 2013.
The Denmark international had been a key figure for the club during Mauricio Pochettino's time at the helm, before going on to enjoy success at the San Siro under Conte, helping the serial winning coach to the Serie A title during the 2020/21 campaign.
The 117-cap gem's time with the former Chelsea boss had seen him operate in a creative role in a 3-5-2 formation, with there no doubt a void in the current Tottenham squad for a playmaking asset to take on that berth - a problem which Maddison could well be a solution to.
The versatile sensation - who can operate on the flanks, in a number ten role or in central midfield - has lit up the Premier League in the early weeks of the season for Brendan Rodgers' side, scoring five goals and laying on two assists in just eight top-flight games thus far to emerge as something of a "talisman" for the Midlands outfit, as described by journalist Rob Tanner.
Like Eriksen - who has been lauded for "amazing quality" on the ball by Red Devils legend Bryan Robson - Maddison has routinely been praised for his set-piece delivery, having been described as "world-class" in that regard by Three Lions boss, Gareth Southgate.
While there may well be a scramble for his signature moving forward, the £110k-per-week man would seemingly be an ideal addition for Conte and co, particularly as Spurs look to fill that Eriksen-sized void in the side.