James Maddison has revealed that boss Ange Postecoglou told him he would see a 'completely different' Spurs - whether the former Newcastle United target joined him or not.
Maddison has signed a five-year deal with the Londoners after completing his £40m move from Leicester City this week. Spurs ultimately had a free run at Maddison after Newcastle opted not to bid for the England international, who had entered the final 12 months of his contract at Leicester.
Newcastle had multiple offers rejected for Maddison last summer, but the Magpies prioritised a move for AC Milan midfielder Sandro Tonali a year on. Regardless, Maddison's wage demands and willingness to play down south may have made a move difficult, particularly after Maddison was convinced to join Spurs following talks with Postecoglou and chairman Daniel Levy.
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"Speaking to the manager is very important," Maddison told the club's website. "To have a decent chat with him and get his thoughts on things and how he sees Spurs going this season.
"He said, 'Whether you come or not, you're going to see a completely different Spurs team under me.' It stuck with me that he said that and made me think, 'That's the self-belief that I have in myself.'
"I spoke to Daniel and they both spoke very highly of everything about the club and about me. Things like that are so important.
"Building a good relationship with him [Postecoglou], Daniel, speaking to other players. I know a lot of the lads anyway and played against them for many years so me, my agent, my family, were all really happy with the decision. Like I keep saying, I can't wait to get going."
