James Maddison has enjoyed a productive time at Tottenham since his arrival in June 2023.
The England international was made vice-captain by Ange Postecoglou, and played a key role as Spurs lifted the UEFA Europa League last season, scoring three goals and providing four assists in 11 European outings.
However, James Maddison could have his focus swayed if Tottenham sign Jack Grealish after what he admitted to BBC Sport at Wimbledon.
James Maddison shares honest comment about Jack Grealish
TBR Football understand Tottenham are monitoring Grealish this summer as Manchester City aim to offload the £100m man, who they now value at £40m.
However, Thomas Frank may have second thoughts over pursuing a deal for the Manchester City No.10 after what Maddison said.
When asked who he would choose to be his partner for a doubles match in tennis, the Tottenham No.10 chose Brennan Johnson, before adding, unprompted: “I’d say Jack Grealish is a no-go. He’d distract me. He makes me laugh too much, I wouldn’t be able to concentrate.”
Of course, Maddison is a professional – a top one at that having been given a leadership role at Tottenham – so we doubt a move for Grealish would genuinely have a negative impact.
However, after hearing these comments, Frank might think twice about pairing the two together in N17.
The No.10 department is too populated at Tottenham for Jack Grealish
Regardless of what Maddison said about Grealish, we are unsure where the 29-year-old would actually fit in under Frank.
Tottenham have now agreed a deal to sign Mohammed Kudus – who wants to play centrally in a No.10 role.
However, Frank typically uses a 4-2-3-1 formation with room for only one natural No.10 in the centre, and already has Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and, soon, Kudus for that position.
Grealish can also play on the left, but with Richarlison, Wilson Odobert, Heung-min Son, Mikey Moore and Mathys Tel in that area, perhaps Tottenham will cool their interest in the Manchester City outcast regardless of what Maddison admitted.