Levy makes stern statement on Tottenham star’s fee as AC Milan circle
Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy will not accept anything less than £23million from clubs keen on signing Serge Aurier, according to a report.
Aurier moved to Tottenham in 2017 but struggled to find consistency under former boss Mauricio Pochettino.
And despite further initial struggles under Jose Mourinho, the Ivory Coast international showed improvement in the second half of the campaign.
The 23-year-old proved crucial as Spurs leapfrogged Wolves to finish sixth in the Premier League table.
Previous reports claimed his performances have attracted the attention of AC Milan. The Rossoneri also failed to qualify for the Champions League, and could sell either Davide Calabria or Andrea Conti as a result.
However, the Daily Mail now claims Spurs want £23million for Aurier, the fee they paid Paris Saint-Germain three years ago.
Levy and his fellow Tottenham chiefs reportedly see “no reason” why they should accept any less. That could come as a shock to Milan, who the newspaper adds had discussed offers of £12million.
Mourinho has promised that this summer will not be one where his side spend vast sums. Indeed, Spurs are working on a reduced budget due to the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
As such, they will likely have to raise funds through sales, with Tottenham not against Aurier departing for the right price.
The right-back has two years left on his current deal.
Spurs could lose a second right-back this summer in Kyle Walker-Peters. The England Under-21 international impressed on loan at Southampton in the second half of the season.
JENAS PREDICTS BAD NEWS FOR MOURINHO
Elsewhere, Jermaine Jenas says Mourinho will be “left out to dry” by Tottenham in the coming months.
A strong of injuries and poor form marred the Portuguese’s first half-season in charge in north London.
Now, former Tottenham star Jenas believes life will not get any easier for the Spurs boss.