Tottenham transfer news: Tony Mowbray confirms no formal offers for Coventry midfielder James Maddison

Coventry manager Tony Mowbray has cooled speculation linking James Maddison with an imminent move to Tottenham by confirming that the club is yet to receive any formal offers for his services. The highly-rated midfielder has been attracting plenty of attention from Premier League suitors of late, despite only making his return to first-team action in December 2015 following almost four months out with a fractured ankle.

Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool have all previously been mentioned in connection with Maddison, while recent reports from The Independent claim that Tottenham are preparing a fresh bid for the player amid further rival interest from the likes of Everton, Newcastle and Southampton.

Paul Mitchell and David Pleat are both said to have watched him in action during Coventry's 2-0 home defeat to League One leaders Burton Albion on 16 January and any possible deal is expected to be sweetened by the prospect of the 19-year-old returning to his current employers on a loan basis for the remainder of the season. Mowbray claims to be oblivious to those rumours, however, reiterating his belief that Maddison's career would likely be better served by remaining at the Ricoh Arena.

"I don't know of any speculation because I don't read it," he was quoted as saying by Coventry's official website at a press conference staged before their forthcoming trip to Southend. "There is always speculation in the transfer window about good players but I don't think it's anything to worry about.

"He's only a young boy and only played around 15-20 games at League One level. He should just concentrate on his football and continue to thrive in this environment."

With regards to any concrete interest in Maddison, he added: "There has been no formal approach or bid. I'm sure every club in the Premier League is aware of the talent down here, not just James Maddison, but as in formal bids, no."

After suffering from no shortage of financial uncertainty over recent years that saw the club enter administration in 2013, Coventry are well-placed to mount a serious bid to return to the second tier of English football for the first time in four seasons. Mowbray's side currently sit fourth and just four points adrift of the automatic promotion spots and it stands to reason that they would be reluctant to lose any of their most influential players at such an important time.

The Sky Blues have been very active themselves in the market over recent weeks, renewing the loans of Newcastle duo Adam Armstrong and Gael Bigirimana in addition to signing experienced wingers Stephen Hunt and Joe Cole on free transfers. Centre-back Peter Ramage has also joined following a stint in the Indian Super League, while Andy Rose arrived after the expiration of his contract with the Seattle Sounders.