Transfer Gossip: Tottenham plan double raid on strugglers after joining race for new defender replacement; Newcastle renew pursuit of Prem winger

Tottenham Hotspur are now in the running to sign two players from the same relegation candidates, while Newcastle are rivalling them for one and also targeting a Premier League winger, according to Wednesday’s transfer gossip.

SPURS SEEK SALISU SIGNING

Tottenham Hotspur are new contenders for the signature of Southampton defender, Mohammed Salisu, according to a report.

Salisu is in danger of suffering relegation with Southampton this season. If they do go down to the Championship, though, he is one of the likelier candidates to be bought by a Premier League side.

The Ghana international was recently linked with Newcastle, whose interest has now been confirmed by Football Insider. But the same source indicates that Tottenham are admirers as well.

Their interest comes as they already consider a move for Southampton midfielder and captain, James Ward-Prowse. Hence, they could be planning a double raid.

In terms of Salisu, he could be a replacement for Clement Lenglet, who is only on loan from Barcelona. As another left footer, he could take the Frenchman’s place in the squad.

Salisu looks likely to leave Southampton this summer even if they do stay in the Premier League. After all, his contract with them is due to expire in 2024, while there have been no renewal talks yet, which the report makes clear.

Hence, the 23-year-old could be ready to step up elsewhere. Either Tottenham or Newcastle should be able to offer him his first taste of a UEFA competition; both are aiming for Champions League qualification, but only one might be able to secure it.

Still, they would represent the next level for Salisu, who previously played for Real Valladolid in Spain.

The move to Tottenham might actually make more sense, since Newcastle already have a trusted left-footed centre-back in the shape of Sven Botman.

Spurs, in contrast, are ready to send Lenglet back to Barcelona. Consequently, they will be looking for defensive reinforcements who can provide balance to their backline.

Salisu has made 79 appearances across his spell with Southampton, including 27 this season. He can also feature at left-back, which may add to his appeal, but is most naturally a centre-half.

NEWCASTLE BACK IN FOR BARNES

Meanwhile, Newcastle are considering a summer swoop for Leicester winger, Harvey Barnes, according to the Daily Mail.

While covering Newcastle’s new interest in Chelsea midfielder, Mason Mount, the Mail has revealed that Barnes is also under consideration as a potential target at St. James’ Park.

Barnes is someone Newcastle have looked at before, after links with the Leicester star last summer. Now, they have renewed their interest.

Per the Mail, Barnes is one of the options they “admire” as they seek additional options in attack. Their success this season has largely been built from their defensive record, rather than anything too flashy at the other end of the pitch.

As they build up their squad, though, they are looking to incorporate new creative players. Barnes, who is now 25 years old, has scored eight goals from 23 Premier League appearances this season.

Overall, the left winger has built up a collection of 40 Leicester goals from 176 appearances across his career. He has also earned a solitary cap for the England national team.

The report indicates that Newcastle are trying to keep the identities of their targets under wraps to avoid their transfer values growing too much. But Barnes’ name is already out.

Leicester have him under contract until 2025. It is not yet clear how much they might ask for him if Newcastle do come calling.

BEHIND-THE-SCENES BELLINGHAM MEETING

Real Madrid have met with the father of Borussia Dortmund star, Jude Bellingham in recent hours, per Foot Mercato.

Bellingham is one of the world’s most in-demand players after rising to prominence in the Bundesliga over recent seasons. The likes of Liverpool and Manchester United would be keen on luring him back to his native England.

But Real Madrid have also established themselves as firm contenders to sign the midfielder. And according to Foot Mercato, their director of international football, Juni Calafat was meeting with Bellingham’s father on Tuesday night.

At the time, Bellingham will have been playing in Dortmund’s loss to Chelsea in the Champions League. But work is underway behind the scenes on a potential switch to Spain.

The meeting took place in London, allowing Madrid to set out their plans. Aware they could lose long-serving stars, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, they are looking for the final piece of their midfield puzzle to add to Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni.

Foot Mercato concludes that the ball is now in Bellingham’s court as he plots his next step beyond Dortmund, where he is only under contract until 2025.