Tottenham Hotspur are stepping up their interest in James Maddison.

Tottenham Hotspur are stepping up their interest in Coventry City youngster James Maddison.

The Times report Spurs scout and former boss David Pleat has been watching him regularly, and at the weekend brought head of recruitment Paul Mitchell to check him out for the first team.

After the 1-1 draw with Walsall, the paper claim Pleat introduced Mitchell to Coventry director Paul Venus, establishing contact ahead of potential negotiations.

The Independent also report strong interest from the North London side in Maddison.

They claim Coventry could accept a £5 million offer for Maddison if he is loaned back to the club for the rest of the season, like Dele Alli was at MK Dons last season.

The reports show Spurs are doing their due diligence in their research of potential signings, and Mitchell’s presence indicates Maddison is a player they are viewing seriously. Also on show in the clash at the weekend was Walsall left-back Rico Henry, linked with Tottenham by The Express in early December.

Maddison, 19, is an attacking midfielder who is coveted by several Premier League sides. The Coventry Telegraph reported earlier this month that Manchester City, Arsenal, and Liverpool are all in the hunt.