Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur

Premier League • England

Tottenham transfers: First Postecoglou signing nears in €35m deal as Klopp delay sees Liverpool barged aside

Franck Kessie, Barcelona presentation at Nou Camp stadium

Tottenham are making headway in pursuit of Franck Kessie with the Barcelona star reportedly on course to become the first signing of the Ange Postecoglou era.

The Greece-born Australian has on Tuesday morning been confirmed as the new Spurs gaffer. However, the 57-year-old has a huge rebuilding job on his hands with the under-performing squad in a state of disarray.

Indeed, they slipped from fourth to eight during an astonishing end-of-season collapse to leave them without European football. Moreover, Postecoglou has a dawning issue with Harry Kane to resolve amid claims Real Madrid are to make him a prime summer target.

Whether Kane goes or stays will rapidly alter the direction of Tottenham’s summer spending. And while Kane could net them an £80m – £100m windfall, Spurs would very much prefer to keep the player while in his prime.

However, regardless of the outcome of Kane’s future, Postecoglou has reportedly already put some transfer wheels in motion. And to kick things off, he has reportedly told Levy of the nine names that need to leave this summer.

In clearing the decks, the new Spurs boss has also set his sights on a number of new faces he believes can spark a revival at Tottenham.

And while Tottenham supporters may have to show a degree of patience, they will hope Postecoglou can strike upon the winning formula.

To help light that fire, reports on Monday claimed he plans to bring three faces with him to Tottenham from Celtic.

READ MOREAnge Postecoglou to bring Celtic trio with him as boss sends thanks to Scottish giants

Tottenham leading Liverpool in chase for Franck Kessie

In addition, Postecoglou will also likely need to sign a new goalkeeper. Hugo Lloris will be on his way after 11 seasons at the club this summer. And in order to bring some inventiveness to midfield, Leicester’s James Maddison is also a top target.

However, the first signing of the Australian’s era looks likely to be Kessie if reports in Spain are accurate.

Spurs have a long-standing interest in the Ivorian star, having tried to sign him back in January 2022. Back then, Kessie was nearing the end of his deal at AC Milan. As a result, Antonio Conte made a move to bring him to London.

With Milan on course for Serie A glory, Kessie opted to stay, ultimately moving to Barcelona as a free agent that summer.

Now Kessie’s time at the Nou Camp is poised to come to an end after just one season.

And while he ended the season earning Xavi’s trust, Barcelona’s need for sales will makes his departure essential.

As a result, Kessie is reportedly the subject of interest from Liverpool. Jurgen Klopp is looking to rebuild his midfield and seemingly sees Kessie as a potential option.

Barcelona desperate to offload Kessie

However, Sport are convinced that Kessie is far more likely to move to Tottenham this summer.

And with Barcelona putting pressure on the star to depart, Postecoglou’s side are, so far, the only one of his suitors willing to stump up the €35m asking price.

The report claims Inter could yet prove competition for Spurs for Kessie. However, Inter’s wishes to include either Joaquin Correa or Denzel Dumfries in a swap deal have been waved away.

As a result, they claim Tottenham are ‘best positioned’ to land the star this summer. And the report concludes that Kessie faces being left with ‘no other option’ but to sign for the Spurs.

The midfielder scored three times and added one assist during Barcelona’s 2022/23 title-winning season.

An all action midfielder, his work-ethic and will-to-win is exactly what Spurs need to get back on track.

READ MORE ~ Harry Kane transfer: Man Utd target subject of cheeky first bid as iconic star advises Tottenham striker on move