Harry Winks preference could determine Everton transfer’s fate after Leeds spy Tottenham opening

Leeds have joined Everton in chasing Harry Winks and hold an advantage, though the player’s preference may determine who Tottenham sell to, per a report.

Tottenham’s business so far this summer has primarily revolved around incomings. Richarlison’s arrival from Everton was confirmed on Friday morning with the deal potentially costing £60m when all is said and done.

The Brazilian is Fabio Paratici’s fourth major signing in as many weeks. He follows Fraser Forster, Ivan Perisic and Yves Bissouma through the door.

Moves for Djed Spence and Clement Lenglet are also making progress. However, attention will quickly turn to who could go the other way.

Steven Bergwijn remains a key target for Ajax. In midfield, Harry Winks’ future is up in the air.

Everton have been heavily linked with a move for the 26-year-old. However, the Liverpool Echo report the Toffees favour a loan deal, much to Spurs’ frustrations who are targeting a £20m sale.

Richarlison’s move could change Everton’s stance. Everton now have cash to spend and could reinvest some of the initial £50m they’ll receive into a Winks deal.

However, the Echo now report Leeds are providing competition for the midfielder.

Leeds need – and funds – both greater

The Whites are poised to lose Kalvin Phillips to Man City. Fabrizio Romano reported the Leeds talisman is undergoing a medical at the time of this article’s publication.

Jesse Marsch’s side have already signed Marc Roca from Bayern Munich. However, Winks may represent a more dependable like-for-like replacement given he is already accustomed to the Premier League.

Leeds will have money to spend through their Phillips sale. Their coffers are poised to swell further once Raphinha departs – most likely to Chelsea.

The Echo note Tottenham’s £20m valuation is likely to decrease the longer the window goes on.

That could benefit Everton in the long run if they’re cajoled into making a permanent bid. However, that scenario would also leave the door open for Leeds to strike first.

In the end, Tottenham will sell to the team that offers them the most. But if Leeds and Everton bid similar amounts, the outlet stress Winks’ preference is to join Everton.

Ultimately, that could be the deciding factor if the two suitors cannot otherwise be split.

Can Harry Winks finally realise his potential?

Winks often catches the eye, though questions remains as to whether there is enough substance to back up the style.

Antonio Conte certainly doesn’t appear to think so. His midfield with Bissouma, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Rodrigo Bentancur has the look of an aggressive and well-drilled unit that opposition attacks will hate to play against.

Winks is an altogether different player than those Conte utilises. He gets his foot in on occasion, but makes his mark mainly on his touch, close control and passing range.

At 26, time is still on his side to prove the doubters wrong. Regular game-time elsewhere could be the new lease on life he requires, though he’d benefit from playing alongside a true defensive midfielder wherever he ends up.