Tottenham threaten to derail West Ham, Everton moves for Lingard after Paratici deals leave Spurs red-faced

Tottenham are mulling a move for Everton and West Ham target, Jesse Lingard, and his arrival could spare Fabio Paratici’s blushes, per a report.

Lingard has officially departed Manchester United as a free agent. The 29-year-old attacker is free to search for his next club. West Ham reportedly tabled a contract offer in a move that has assumed greater importance given their setback over Arnaut Danjuma.

Everton too are in the mix for the 32-times capped England international. The Liverpool Echo recently reported the Toffees have entered preliminary talks with the player’s camp.

Both those sides are in need of reinforcements in the final third. Everton have just sold Richarlison to Tottenham, while the Hammers are reportedly seeking a more consistent upgrade on Said Benrahma.

However, per the Telegraph, their hopes could be dashed by the increasingly active Tottenham.

Spurs’ tally of major signings this summer has now reached four. Director of Football, Fabio Paratici, also has irons in the fire regarding Clement Lenglet and Djed Spence.

However, the Telegraph state his arrivals thus far have put Spurs over the limit for non-homegrown players.

Lingard would obviously aid their cause in that respect. What’s more, he is viewed as a low-risk transfer given he won’t cost a fee.

Spurs are also looking to bolster their depth as they prepare to embark on a Champions League campaign.

Unlike when in the lesser European competitions, the UCL will force Tottenham to play their top stars. That will place greater emphasis on the depth of squad Paratici and Conte are assembling. Indeed, Spurs cannot make wholesale changes and expect to qualify for the knockout stages.

Contact is yet to be made between Tottenham and Lingard’s representatives. However, it certainly sounds like he is coming under serious consideration in north London.

Where would Lingard fit in?

Conte is expected to continue with his customary 3-4-3 formation next season. Despite that, the Telegraph surprisingly report Spurs view Lingard as a a creative central midfielder.

Spurs’ engine room will comprise two of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma.

Harry Kane will play up front with Son Heung-min and Dejan Kulusevski out wide. Richarlison can play anywhere across the front line when required.

On the surface, there doesn’t appear a natural position for Lingard. That may suggest he may have to rely on appearances from the bench when Spurs are chasing a game, potentially replacing one of the sitting midfielders.

It’s either that or or appearances out wide when those ahead of him are rotated.