Tottenham Hotspur
Premier League • England
Transfer Gossip: Conte makes Ligue 1 striker with more goals than Messi his top Tottenham target; Man Utd tipped to sign African as Fred upgrade
Tottenham are planning to make a January approach for an impressive Ligue 1 striker, while Thursday’s Transfer Gossip is backing Man Utd to beat Liverpool to an African midfielder, while there’s a big update on their pursuit for Cody Gakpo.
JONATHAN DAVID EMERGES AS TOP TOTTENHAM TARGET
Tottenham Hotspur are hot on the trail for Lille forward Jonathan David, amid claims Antonio Conte feels he can get a deal done.
The 22-year-old has proved a big success in Ligue 1 since a move from Gent in 2020. Part of Canada’s talented young generation, he will have been disappointed by his failure to register a goal at the 2022 World Cup.
However, he has an excellent record for Lille, with 41 goals in 111 appearances since signing.
That form has led to speculation that a number of Premier League sides are looking to swoop for David. Indeed, Arsenal have been touted as potential suitors in the wake of the injury to Gabriel Jesus.
But according to reports, it is Tottenham who are most keen, with their interest confirmed by Italian outlet Calciomercato.
Spurs boss Antonio Conte reportedly sees David as the perfect addition to his frontline. He can play across the forward line and, crucially, can also operate centrally as cover for Harry Kane.
Kane, of course, is the main man at Tottenham, but his deal expires in summer 2024. And amid the lurking presence of Bayern Munich, Tottenham cannot afford to be left without a main man to lead the line.
Any deal, though, for David is likely to cost big bucks. The attacker has two-and-a-half years left on his Lille deal, so won’t come cheap.
But with nine goals in 15 games this season, David has proved himself a very efficent finisher. That tally means he has more league goals to his name that Lionel Messi this season and while a January transfer appears unlikely, a summer move may be on the cards.
MAN UTD TIPPED TO MAKE SWOOP FOR SOFYAN AMRABAT
Manchester United are being urged to consider a move to sign Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat in January.
The Morocco star has played a major role in his country’s march to the World Cup quarter-finals, their best-ever performance in the tournament. And they will be hoping to go at least one step further when they face off with Portugal on Saturday.
His performances has led to speculation of interest from Liverpool. Jurgen Klopp’s side are in the market for a couple of new midfielders in 2023.
Tottenham are also strongly linked with the player too, having been tipped to muscle their way in for his £25m signature.
And with his deal expiring in 2024, Fiorentina are keen to tie him down to a new deal.
However, the star has yet to put pen to paper, giving both Liverpool and Tottenham hopes of a raid.
Now United are being urged to get in on the act, with the Daily Express suggesting why he is the perfect addition for Ten Hag.
Solid in the tackle and blessed with a good engine and passing range, the paper reckons he is a dream upgrade on Fred.
The Brazilian’s deal expires next summer and while Manchester United hold an option to extend, they are yet to take that up.
Amrabat would be well within their price range too. Coming with a £25m fee, he also only reportedly earns £25,000 a week. And reports claim a deal around double that will convince him to move on.
MAN UTD READY TO FIRM UP CODY GAKPO CHASE
Manchester United are reportedly planning to submit a firm approach for Cody Gakpo once his World Cup adventure is over.
The PSV star is one of the most-talked about stars of Qatar 2022, with his form in the Eredivisie carried into the World Cup.
He was the subject of strong interest from Man Utd over the summer, only for that to fade once they got closer to Antony.
That delay almost let Leeds sneak in, with the Whites coming “99.9% close” to sign him.
Now Gakpo has dropped a major hint that he was right to reject Leeds and suggests he is willing to still move to Old Trafford.
“I thought about Manchester United, but when that didn’t happen, I couldn’t remember. And I started to doubt. Leeds United did come. Should I go there?
“Now I wait everything. I haven’t heard from Manchester United yet. When they come, I’ll think about it. I also seek the help of God in these decisions.”
Now the Daily Mail reports United are ready to open talks over his transfer. Discussions over the next few days will determine just how much United should spent. Gakpo could have been bought for around £30m over the summer. Now that fee is close to double, per some reports.
Once United have decided what they feel he is worth, they will reportedly make contact with PSV to lodge their bid.
The Dutch side are seemingly open to his sale with their failure to qualify for the Champions League hitting their finances.
READ MORE: France star puts Man Utd on alert for bargain deal as he reveals Premier League transfer aim