Tottenham ‘serious’ about big Barcelona raid as two key factors see Postecoglou charge past Euro giants

Tottenham are ‘serious’ over the signing of Barcelona midfielder Franck Kessie and have overtaken a European giant in the race thanks to two important factors, a report has claimed.

Kessie was linked with several Premier League clubs including Tottenham, Liverpool and Aston Villa as he headed towards the end of his AC Milan contract last summer. However, the Ivorian snubbed the chance to move to England by signing a four-year deal with Barcelona instead.

But Kessie did not manage to establish himself as a guaranteed starter during his first season at Barca. And rumours are growing that he could be on the move again this year.

Tottenham have identified Kessie as an ideal replacement for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, whom Ange Postecoglou may soon lose. Atletico Madrid have strong interest in Hojbjerg as Diego Simeone is eager to improve his midfield ranks. There have even been claims Hojbjerg’s family are searching for a new house in Spain ahead of the prospective move.

On Thursday, Spanish outlet Sport outlined how Kessie could now head to North London and fill the void left by Hojbjerg. That same source has now provided an update on the situation.

They state that Spurs are ‘serious’ about capturing the 26-year-old. And there is a good chance Postecoglou’s side will outmuscle Juventus to strike an agreement for him.

READ MORE: Man Utd and Tottenham transfers both fall through; new targets confirmed

Juve have got the ball rolling by sending Barca a ‘firm’ offer. They hope to sign the 26-year-old on a season-long loan with the option to buy in summer 2024.

However, Spurs should be able to beat this proposal. They have the money to easily match Barca’s demands for a permanent exit, which have been set at just €15million (£12.8m).

Tottenham in pole position for Barcelona snare

Even if Juve did have their loan-to-buy bid accepted, they would struggle to organise personal terms with Kessie. This is because he does not want to return to Italy and would ideally like to shine in an alternative league.

This is another reason why Spurs can be considered frontrunners for the transfer.

Kessie is not the only Barca player who might swap Catalonia for London in the current transfer window. Spurs are also in talks over re-signing centre-back Clement Lenglet, who spent last season on loan there.

According to reports emerging from Spain, Spurs are ‘getting closer’ to reaching an agreement for Lenglet. The Frenchman could either join in a permanent deal or on loan with an obligation for Spurs to buy him in summer 2024.

Meanwhile, Spurs and Liverpool stars have had a mention as a pundit has surprisingly tipped one player to beat Erling Haaland to next season’s Golden Boot award.