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Lionel Messi has admitted he's close to the end of his Argentina career after scoring a hat-trick and grabbing two assists against Bolivia.

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• Messi dazzles in Argentina win
• Involved in five goals
• Speaks about his future after the game

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Argentina's captain was back in the starting XI for the national team against Bolivia and put in a vintage display in a 6-0 win in World Cup qualifying. The Inter Miami superstar had a hand in five goals and finished the night with the match ball after securing his 10th international hat-trick.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Messi turned 37 in June and is heading towards the end of his dazzling career. The World Cup winner has already admitted he believes that Inter Miami will be his last club and now says he's into his final matches on the international scene.

• WHAT MESSI SAID

  Messi told reporters: "It is very nice to play here feeling the affection of the Argentina fans. It makes me emotional to listen how they shout my name. We all enjoy this connection with the fans and we love playing at home."

  The 37-year-old then spoke about his future with the national team, adding: "I didn't set any date or deadline about my future. I'm just enjoying all this. I am more emotional than ever and taking all the love from the people because I know these can be my last games.

  "It's a joy to be present and appreciate this moment. Being surrounded by younger teammates, given my age, makes me feel like a kid again. I find myself doing silly things because I feel so comfortable. As long as I maintain that feeling and can continue contributing to the team, I plan to be here enjoying [the national team]."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MESSI

  Messi is now set to return to club side Inter Miami but will hope to be back in Argentina colours in November against Paraguay and Peru. It's still not known when Messi will decide to hang up his famous boots but he's clearly savouring every moment right now and remains a vital player for the reigning world champions.

Tottenham Hotspur’s 2023/24 campaign will have split the opinion of the fanbase, with some describing it as promising, and others frustrating.

It’s fair to say that both are fair reviews, having just missed out on Champions League football in Ange Postecoglou’s debut season.

However, it’s now clear that will be the goal for next season having been so close, and in order to do that, reinforcements are needed this summer.

Spurs’ search for a new attacker

According to German journalist Christian Falk, Spurs are interested in signing Chris Fuhrich.

It’s mentioned that Spurs are “fighting” for his signature this summer with Bayern Munich also interested.

In order to secure the winger, the Lilywhites would need to pay his release clause, which stands at just £20m.

This means that the German would serve as a much cheaper option than Eberechi Eze, who’s been heavily linked with Spurs.

Reports suggest that the Crystal Palace ace has a £60m release clause in his contract, which is clearly quite a bit more than Fuhrich’s.

Why Fuhrich would be a great alternative to Eze

Since joining Stuttgart in 2021, Fuhrich has been a steady performer for the Bundesliga side.

But last season, his performance levels went to a whole new level, operating as a left-winger for the majority of his 33 league starts.

Over these games, the 26-year-old scored eight goals and provided seven assists, becoming a key player for a Stuttgart side that finished second despite narrowly avoiding relegation the season prior.

The German forward has a very complete profile, which makes him a perfect alternative to Eze, yet stylistically, he’s actually similar to Jack Grealish, a player who won't be heading to Euro 2024 this summer.

As you can see, what makes Fuhrich such an interesting player is the fact that he can not only put the ball in the back of the net himself but also provide for those around him, which is certainly very similar to the Palace star. Last season he was tremendous, particularly under Oliver Glasner, producing 11 goals and six assists.

Furthermore, just like Eze, he is the type of player who’s always involved in the play, the catalyst for most attacks, while also helping out defensively, as shown by the number of tackles her makes per 90 minutes.

Yet, according to journalist Seb Stafford-Bloor, it is Fuhrich who has “a touch of the Jack Grealishes to his dribbling”. That's a notable similarity between all three of the players in focus.

This, combined with his creativity and clinical finishing, means the German would suit Spurs down to a tee, regardless of whether they’re up against a side that sits deep or a top side who dominates the ball.

According to FBref, he’s also classified as a similar player to Florian Wirtz, who won the Bundesliga Player of the Season. This just proves how much of a steal the "fantastic" Fuhrich could be – as he was described by journalist Manuel Veth.

Given his statistics, bargain price, and the fact that he ticks almost every box that Spurs would look for in an attacker. They simply have to attempt to sign Fuhrich this summer.

Spurs prepare bid for ideal Maddison upgrade in £40m "Poch-era Dele Alli"

The all-action star could make a real difference in N17.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jun 7, 2024

Arsenal star Beth Mead has called out her team-mate Leah Williamson over the England defender's mood swings.

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• Williamson & Mead put friendship to test
• Defender accused of having mood swings
• Mead's team-mates say she talks too much

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The pair put their friendship to the test by answering some personal questions. They were asked to pick out each other's worst habits and as regular team-mates for both Arsenal and the Lionesses, they must be well acquainted with the more annoying aspects of their respective personalities.

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• WHAT MEAD & WILLIAMSON SAID

  Mead knew immediately which of Williamson's habits to name, saying in a BBC Sport video around honesty cards: "I would say your mood flipping on a switch."

  Williamson was caught by surprise, saying: "God, these really are honesty cards. I was gonna say I sleep too much… They all get angry at me because I sleep too much."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Mead did not get away harm-free, however, as she was asked for her own worst habit and admitted that she talks too much. "I didn't want to say it… No, the thing is you say that but if you didn't do it, everyone would miss it," Williamson responded.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

  Williamson was called on to start in the heart of the Arsenal defence for their Women's Champions League clash against Bayern Munich on Wednesday, while Mead was named among the substitutes.

If last summer was all about Declan Rice for Arsenal then it would appear as though this summer will be about RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko.

The Slovenian striker is at the forefront of interest from multiple Premier League clubs, most notable of which are the Gunners and Manchester United.

The latest on that saga, according to reports, is that a £47m bid had even been lodged for his services with another claim a few days prior suggesting he has already said 'yes' to a move to north London.

So, what next? Well, there still feels like a long way to go before things are wrapped up by all parties involved in the deal.

Where will Arsenal's transfer plans take them next? Well, potentially to the Netherlands.

£20m star keen on moving to the Emirates

The Telegraph reported in midweek that Arsenal were targeting a move for Feyenoord left-back Quilindschy Hartman.

The latest on that pursuit comes courtesy of the Standard, who noted this weekend that the player was indeed keen on a move to the Premier League, and more specifically to Arsenal.

However, that is very much dependent on whether Edu and Co formally step up their interest in the forthcoming months.

There are two issues, though. Chelsea are also interested and the player is actually out of action with a knee injury until 2025. As such, a move is far more likely to occur in January, if at all.

The player is currently valued at £20m by Transfermarkt.

How Hartman could benefit Sesko

Before Sesko allegedly said 'yes' to joining Arsenal, it was likely he had two main considerations.

The first was whether he'd happily play second fiddle to Kai Havertz up top. The second was whether he'd entertain the idea of playing from the left wing.

The 21-year-old only played as a central striker last season for Leipzig, scoring 18 goals in 42 appearances but he can play on the flanks, potentially using his rangy and athletic profile to give Arsenal added impetus on the left where he can cut inside.

If that was to be Sesko's position, then Hartman could well find himself regularly linking up with him.

Sadly we won't get to see him in action at the European Championships with the Netherlands, but for those who have seen up close in the Eredivisie under new Liverpool boss Arne Slot, there are some interesting traits there.

Described as having had an "exceptional" few seasons by scout Antonio Mango, the 22-year-old is known for being a "flying left-back" who can provide high-intensity and tough tackling.

With that in mind, he already sounds like a dream for the potentially incoming Sesko. So, how do the stats paint him?

Well, compared to leagues similar to the Dutch top-flight (via FBref), Hartman ranks in the top 2% of positionally similar players for shot-creating actions per 90, the best 6% for carries, the top 1% for through balls and in the best 10% for key passes.

Any attackers in Mikel Arteta's forward line must be licking their lips at the thought of that.

Luckily, the full-back doesn't shy away from his defensive duties either, winning 1.30 aerials per 90 minutes and ranking among the best 10% of full-backs for tackles in the attacking third of the pitch. Evidently he stays high and wins the ball back high, immediately sparking goal-scoring opportunities.

An aggressive front-foot defender, he sounds exactly like the profile of player who could benefit Sesko and potentially even take the likes of Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli to the next level on the left flank.

Arsenal could land Martinelli upgrade in "unstoppable" £80m Sesko partner

The incredible attacker could be transformational in North London.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jun 1, 2024

Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique gave a gruesome assessment of his former team Barcelona when they met in last season's Champions League.

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• PSG boss criticised Barca ahead of UCL tie
• Coach featured in documentary series
• Accused Spanish side of playing like Eibar

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  After Barcelona beat the French side 3-2 in the quarter-final first leg, the Parisian club pulled off an incredible comeback as they ran out 4-1 winners in the return fixture. Before the tie, the PSG coach gave his assessment of the Catalans.

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  The 54-year-old has deep ties to the Blaugrana, having spent eight years there as a player and then taking over as head coach in 2014 until 2017. However, that did not stop him from going in hard on his old team, then coached by legendary midfielder Xavi.

• WHAT LUIS ENRIQUE SAID

  “Barca are not a dominant team and they are not a defensively good team," he said in a new documentary series titled . "They have no defensive quality. They play long balls. [Marc-Andre] Ter Stegen broke the record for long passes. They play like Eibar."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR PSG AND BARCELONA?

  Barcelona are off to a strong start this season under new boss Hansi Flick and will aim to preserve their lead at the top of La Liga when they face Osasuna on Saturday. PSG, meanwhile, take on Rennes on Friday in Ligue 1.

The first transfer window Ange Postecoglou had in charge at Tottenham Hotspur saw him spend an extraordinary £212.3m, to bring four prominent first-team players to the club, with the aim of helping them secure European football once again. That included the permanent captures of Dejan Kulusevski and Pedro Porro.

Spurs added some quality in attacking areas to their squad last summer, by bringing in Brennan Johnson and James Maddison to the club. Johnson joined in a deadline day deal from Nottingham Forest for £47.5m, a record sale for the East Midlands side. They brought Maddison into the club from Forest’s rivals, Leicester City, for a £40m fee.

At the other end of the pitch, Spurs also strengthened in order to make them more defensively secure. The signing of Guglielmo Vicario from Empoli became the direct replacement for Hugo Lloris for £17.2m, and Micky van de Ven was brought in from Wolfsburg for £43m and has enjoyed a stellar season.

This summer, Postecoglou has requested three signings to help improve his squad, according to James Olley of ESPN. This summer will also see several players leave Spurs in order to get deals over the line.

In particular, there will likely be some outgoings which will make room for a big Premier League attacker to join the club.

Spurs looking to sign Premier League winger

The player in question here is Wolverhampton Wanderers and Portugal winger Pedro Neto. Despite a tough season with injuries, Neto has put up some impressive numbers and is now subject to interest from Spurs and other Premier League clubs.

According to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook, Wolves could sell Neto in a £60m deal, although Spurs are not thought to be the only side interested. Crook believes Newcastle United, Premier League champions Manchester City and Spurs North London rivals Arsenal are also interested in signing the 24-year-old.

This story comes just days after Wolves manager Gary O’Neil suggested that his side must sell several players to fund their transfer dealings this summer. In a recent interview, O’Neil explained that Wolves “won't be blessed with resources as in money to spend”, although their players currently out on loan “can come back and help us or we will be able to sell some”.

This certainly opened the door to a potential departure for Neto, and he could well fetch a commanding fee which O’Neil can reinvest into his side.

How Neto would fit in at Spurs

Despite his aforementioned injury issues, having missed 20 games this season with a hamstring injury, the winger's impressive record is certainly an attractive prospect for Spurs. In 20 Premier League games this season, the 24-year-old has scored twice and registered nine assists. On top of that, he has one goal and two assists in four FA Cup appearances.

What makes this even better is the fact that Neto has played just 1,519 minutes in the Premier League. In total, that equates to just 16 90 minutes, meaning he has 11 goal involvements in that time.

Signing Neto would add a great deal of depth to Spurs’ wide options. The Portugal international can play right across the attack, having played in four different positions just this season for Wolves. It creates interesting competition with the likes of Richarlison and Kulusevski, whom he has registered more assists than.

However, he would likely play on the right wing predominantly, given Spurs’ depth on the left-hand side includes Johnson, and their captain Son Heung-min can also play there if they recruit a striker this summer. Spurs’ first choice on that side is currently the Sweden international Kulusevski, but that could certainly change with the signing of Neto.

In signing the dynamic Wolves man, you get a very different winger to the former Juventus star, and also Richarlison, who has been known to play on the wing at times under Postecoglou, too. Neto is one of the most direct players in the Premier League, who likes to pick the ball up and drive at a full-back, whereas Kulusevski is more safe in his approach, looking to keep the ball and wait for an opening.

Indeed, this is reflected in their respective Fbref numbers. Statistically, Neto is one of the best dribblers in European football this season. He averages 5.83 progressive carries per 90 minutes, which ranks him in the top 5% of wingers in Europe, 3.86 carries into the final third per 90 minutes, which places him in the top 3%, and 2.49 carries into the penalty box per 90 minutes, ranking him in the top 11%.

In contrast, as per Fbref, Kulusevski averages just 4.9 progressive carries per 90 minutes, which ranks him in the top 21%, 2.01 carries into the final third per 90 minutes, ranking him in as low as the 38th percentile, and 2.61 carries into the penalty box per 90 minutes, which he ranks higher in than Neto, in the top 9%.

Where Neto struggles compared to Kulusevski is in his progressive passing. The Portugal international averages just 3.21 progressive passes per 90 minutes, which ranks him in the 34th percentile, 1.37 final third passes per 90 minutes, placing him in the 27th percentile, and 1.72 passes into the penalty box per 90 minutes, placing him in the 67th percentile. With that being said, he does average 2.26 key passes per 90 minutes, which ranks him in the top 20%.

Comparatively, the Swede averages 4.68 progressive passes per 90 minutes, which ranks him in the top 29%, 1.75 final third passes per 90 minutes, ranking him in the 46th percentile, and 2.39 passes into the penalty box per 90 minutes, which places him in the top 6%. His 2.13 key passes per 90 minutes are worse than Neto's, and it ranks him in the top 25%.

There is no doubt Neto adds a very different dynamic to this Spurs attack. He is a profile they lack and has great output, too. He was described as “unstoppable” by one football analyst on X, and, as the numbers reflect, it is clear to see why.

For the £60m fee Wolves are rumoured to want for their talismanic winger, it could well be an astute piece of business from Postecoglou’s side, and it would allow them to supplement their squad with a deadly two-way winger.

Spurs "looking at" signing £30m Werner upgrade who was at Chelsea

The gifted winger could be the perfect replacement for the German.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

May 22, 2024

Tottenham ‘have asked’ Barcelona about the possibility of signing Memphis Depay, according to Spanish publication Sport (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown

The two clubs have recently been negotiating over a season-long loan deal for centre-back Clement Lenglet.

It was only last summer that the Catalan giants signed Depay on a free transfer after he reached the end of his Lyon contract, but it’s worth noting that they are in dire straits financially, operating under €1.3bn (£1.12bn) of debt.

Depay has previously had a stint in English football, of course, making a £25m move to Manchester United back in 2015.

However, it didn’t go to plan for the forward at Old Trafford, who left to join Lyon for an initial £16m two years later after scoring just seven goals in 53 appearances.

The latest

The report from Sport (via Sport Witness) states that the possibility of a move for Depay has arisen in the course of the talks over Lenglet.

Tottenham’s enquiry was met with a valuation of €20m (£17.1m) from Barcelona, where the 28-year-old would ideally like to stay, but his representatives have been told that they can find him a new club.

If the Dutchman were to leave Camp Nou, he’d want a move a Champions League outfit such as Spurs.

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The verdict

It seems that Barcelona may be selling Depay out of necessity, rather than dissatisfaction with his performances. Indeed, he bagged 12 La Liga goals last season, having only started 20 games – on average, he was netting one every 152 minutes.

No Barcelona player scored more goals in 2021/22, with Depay and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang finishing level at the top of the club’s standings.

Depay offers Conte versatility, able to operate as both a centre-forward and a winger. As a number nine, he is stylistically similar to Karim Benzema and Alexander Isak; while out wide, he’s closely matched in style with Mohamed Salah, Raheem Sterling, Sadio Mane and Luis Diaz.

Compatriot and former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has previously raved about the ‘conviction’ and ‘desire’ which make Depay ‘beautiful to watch’.

The 28-year-old could be a shrewd pick-up by Spurs for what looks like a reasonable price.

The Athletic journalist Greg O’Keeffe has dropped a big Everton transfer update that’ll leave Frank Lampard scrambling.

What’s the word?

The news comes surrounding defender Anthony Gordon, with O’Keeffe tweeting: “Frank Lampard might draw the line at the prospect of an Anthony Gordon exit – but Spurs aren’t the only club circling.”

This news will come at a time when Tottenham are looking to sign both Gordon and Richarlison in a joint £85m deal, but Lampard wants to keep the 21-year-old winger as he plans for the future.

Lampard aims to keep Gordon

Following a campaign that saw Everton narrowly avoid relegation from the Premier League, there were very few players who performed well during what can only be described as a disappointing season and one that the Goodison faithful won’t want to go through again.

Gordon averaged a decent WhoScored rating of 6.70, ranking him in ninth place in the Toffees squad but it is his extraordinary potential that will have Lampard worried that a bigger team will manage to prise him away from Merseyside this summer.

With Richarlison looking increasingly likely to leave the club, Dominic Calvert-Lewin struggling with injury problems last season, and Salamon Rondon looking like a more terrible signing every passing day, Gordon represents the future of Everton’s attack.

The 44-year-old is convinced that the youngster can be important to the team going forward, saying: “I’ve been really impressed. From afar he looks a very talented young player who clearly has a strong connection with the fans.”

This praise should convince Gordon that his future lies at Everton and first-team opportunities will be much easier to come by compared to joining Spurs.

Gordon scored four goals and notched two assists over 35 Premier League fixtures last season, and his stats compared to Everton’s main goalscoring threat, Richarlison were surprising.

The Englishman generated more shot-creating actions than his more illustrious teammate (2.88 to 2.21) while also boasting a higher percentage of shots on target (43.2% to 28.6%) and delivering over double the number of crosses into the opposition box to Richarlison (71 to 29).

The supporters won’t want Gordon to leave and these stats prove that he has the potential to be a key part of what will surely be a new-look Everton from next season, while his sale would undoubtedly leave Lampard scrambling to find a ready-made replacement in the summer transfer window.

AND in other news: Imagine him & DCL: Moshiri can form deadly Everton duo in bid for “world-class” talent

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring Ben Brereton Diaz to the Premier League this summer.

What’s the word?

That’s according to a recent report by Claret & Hugh, with the West Ham United insider claiming that sources at Spurs have revealed that Fabio Paratici’s reported interest in the Blackburn Rovers centre-forward is indeed true, with the sporting director believed to be plotting a bid for the 23-year-old in the coming weeks.

The insider goes on to state that the Hammers are also pursuing a deal for the Chile international in the summer transfer window, while LaLiga side Sevilla are also reported to be keeping a close eye on the situation of the forward – who is thought to possess a £20m asking price – ahead of a potential move of their own.

Imagine him & Kane

While Brereton Diaz is far from the most glamorous name Tottenham have been linked with this summer, it is not difficult to understand why Paratici would be interested in a deal to bring the Blackburn hitman to north London ahead of Spurs’ upcoming Premier League campaign.

With the signing of a new centre-forward reported to be one of Antonio Conte’s priority targets in the summer transfer window – in order to provide Harry Kane with both backup and competition for his starting spot in the Italian’s starting XI in 2022/23 – Brereton Diaz looks to be something of a perfect candidate for this role.

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Indeed, over his 37 Championship appearances last season, the £14.4m-rated forward was in exceptional form for Rovers, scoring 22 goals, registering three assists and creating three big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.8 shots, making 0.6 key passes and completing 1.6 dribbles per game.

These returns saw the £6.5k-per-week striker who Tony Mowbray dubbed “extraordinary” average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 6.94, while his 22 strikes saw him rank joint-third in the division’s scoring charts.

And, with Brereton Diaz still only being just 23 years of age, the Chilean attacker undoubtedly possesses the potential for further growth in the professional game – with there not being many better mentors in the role of centre-forward than Kane.

As such, with the Championship sensation being young, deadly in the final third and – presumably – willing to play the role as the England captain’s deputy next term, a £20m bid for the former Nottingham Forest starlet would appear to be a very wise move for Paratici to make this summer.

AND in other news: Fabrizio Romano reveals Spurs “contact” for £75m signing, supporters will be buzzing

Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth, speaking on live TV, has now shared an update on Tottenham Hotspur and their chances of signing Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni.

The Lowdown: Spurs set to be busy…

The signing of Yves Bissouma from fellow Premier League club Brighton sealed a third addition of the summer transfer window for manager Antonio Conte, but it is reliably believed that the Italian has his sights on further deals.

According to The Evening Standard, Spurs and club chief Fabio Paratici are now targeting a right wing-back, striker and central defender as priorities before the start of 2022/23.

Bastoni is one target who has been mentioned to potentially bolster the Lilywhites’ defensive options, with Sheth now sharing a live-on-air update on Sky Sports.

The Latest: Sheth shares Bastoni update…

According to the journalist, both Paratici and Conte are still eyeing a move for the 23-year-old, who has been tipped to take the defensive leader mantle for Italy from Azzurri legend Giorgio Chiellini.

However, according to Sheth, the north Londoners may find it harder than ever to seal a deal from Inter.

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He explained (via Football Daily): “Now, we know Tottenham have been interested in Alessandro Bastoni, the Italy international.

“They were in talks with Inter Milan, and I’m sure Antonio Conte, former Inter manager, and Fabio Paratici the sporting director will be well aware of the situation financially Inter find themselves in.

“The fact of the matter is Inter do not want to sell Bastoni, they see him as a central figure in that squad, so at the moment it’s looking a bit better now for Inter.

“They’re increasingly confident they can keep Bastoni at the club, that’s because they’re talking to PSG over the possible sale of another one of their central defenders who Tottenham were interested once upon a time as well, that’s Milan Skriniar.

“If they manage to do that deal, that’s their financial issues until the end of the month sorted, which would mean Bastoni would be able to stay at the club.

“Tottenham are very, very interested. It could be one that is out of Tottenham’s hands here.”

The Verdict: Potential blow for Spurs…

Depending on how the Skriniar deal develops, Sheth’s latest update comes as a potential blow for Spurs and Conte given Bastoni’s quality, pedigree and ability to improve the Lilywhites back line.

At 23, he already has a wealth of Serie A and Champions League experience and a trophy haul which includes Euro 2020 with his country. He could also help Spurs in playing the ball out from the back, his 89.6% passing success rate in the Italian top flight last season bettering any of Conte’s centre-backs in the Premier League.

Called a ‘defensive genius’ by Serie A football expert Conor Clancy, his reputation is glowing, leaving little wonder as to why Nerazzurri chairman Steven Zhang reportedly won’t let him go for anything less than €70m (£60m).

Indeed, Tottenham may have to start moving for other defensive targets.