Why James Maddison is wearing No.71 shirt on Tottenham's pre-season tour?

Fans noticed Maddison's unexpected number on the back of his shirt

James Maddison will wear the No.71 shirt for Tottenham during pre-season, and fans believe they know why that is the case.

The midfielder sealed a £45million move to the north London last month, signing a five-year deal that will earn him £170,000 a week.

He was included in Ange Postecoglou's first Spurs XI, for Tottenham's opening 3-2 pre-season friendly defeat to West Ham in Australia.

David Moyes' side took the lead through Danny Ings and then Divin Mubamba made it 2-0.

Giovani Lo Celso and Destiny Udogie completed a quickfire comeback, but Gianluca Scammaca netted the winner for the Hammers.

Former Leicester ace Maddison surprisingly donned the No.71 shirt and fans believe the reason behind this could be related to Harry Kane, whose future at the club is up in the air.

One said: "Can't help but notice Maddison 71, hope it's not a sign he's waiting for 10..."

Another added: "Maddison with 71 on his back. Clearly waiting for Kane's number 10 shirt."

A third wrote: "Is Maddison waiting for the number 10 shirt or something?"

Maddison wore No.71 for Tottenham, and fans have a theory as to why he did this

Spurs confirmed their new signings would wear temporary shirts during pre-season, with Manor Solomon donning No.72 and goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario wearing No.13.

Kane's future is still in doubt, with Bayern Munich heavily linked with the 29-year-old.

The England international has one year left on his deal in north London, and Paris Saint-Germain are the latest club to register their interest.

Bayern, though, have already seen a bid get knocked back for their captain, with Spurs owner Daniel Levy holding out for a £100m fee.

Postecoglou revealed he has held a conversation with Kane over his future.

Kane's future remains in doubt at Tottenham

"I had a good chat with Harry. It was nothing earth-shattering as people are seeking," the Aussie said.

"Just a good chat, introduced myself, and we spoke mainly about the club, where it's at and where he thinks can improve.

"It's not a specific vision for one person, it's about the group and we're perfectly aligned on that - we want to see a successful team this year."

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