Maddison’s injury shines a light on the failed move for Gibbs-White, who looked set to join but Spurs failed to active his release clause he signed a new contract at Nottingham Forest. Lucas Bergvall, Pape Matar Sarr and Archie Gray are all young midfielders with bright futures, but none are a proven, reliable source of creativity.

James Maddison was carried off on a stretcher after suffering a serious-looking knee injury during Tottenham Hotspur’s pre-season match against Newcastle United.

James Maddison is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after Tottenham boss Thomas Frank revealed his knee injury suffered against Newcastle looked 'like a bad one'.