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De Zerbi pushing for new deal for Tottenham star amid 'dressing room' reveal
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- De Zerbi pushing for new deal for Tottenham star amid 'dressing room' reveal
Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi is becoming increasingly keen for attacking midfielder James Maddison to be handed a new contract.
That is according to former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes that the Italian hugely values the role that the 29-year-old has played behind the scenes of late.
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Maddison recently returned to the fold for Spurs after a lengthy recovery from an ACL injury, but is now heading towards the end of his contract in 2028.
Nevertheless, Wyness feels that De Zerbi is becoming increasingly keen to keep the Englishman around, and feels that he deserves a reward for his recent work.
Maddison scored in Tottenham's recent win over Coventry City, his first competitive goal since way back in May 2025.
His recent return to action has provided a lift for the Spurs squad, who have now won three successive Premier League games.
James Maddison set for reward for 'good character'
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Everton's former chief Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes that Maddison is a "good character" for De Zerbi to have around in the dressing room long-term.
The veteran has also proven in recent weeks that he still has what it takes to impact games at Premier League level, despite all his injury setbacks.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast , Wyness explained how De Zerbi is keen to see the midfielder rewarded.
"I think he (Maddison) is a good character in the dressing room," he said.
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"I think that De Zerbi wants that in there for his group, and his experience would be helpful.
"He's very outspoken. He's great on social media. All those sort of things are good for the club moving forward."
Tottenham board 'spot on' with De Zerbi call after 'talks' - expert Tottenham 'spot on' with Roberto De Zerbi call
Former Tottenham scout Mick Brown told Football Insiderearlier this week that the Spurs board deserve praise for getting it "spot on" in relation to De Zerbi's future at the club.
The ex-recruitment man feels that the club hierarchy deserve to be commended to not bowing to the pressure from outside and axing De Zerbi while the team were struggling earlier in the season.
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Brown believes that "talks" were held regarding the Italian's future a few weeks ago, but the board quickly decided that he is still the right man to lead the team.
Tottenham's players have since backed up that decision with three impressive wins, and they are beginning to turn their season around.
