Transfer Gossip: Tottenham transfer facing agonising wait with Chelsea hijack threat real; Everton spying Liverpool target dubbed ‘new Sadio Mane’

Chelsea are ‘tracking’ a Tottenham target whose future could be decided as early as today, while Everton are expected to turn their attention to a Liverpool target dubbed the ‘new Mane’ following their Arnaut Danjuma miss – both in Wednesday’s Transfer Gossip.

CHELSEA TO HIJACK TOTTENHAM DEAL?

Spurs will meet with Sporting Lisbon on Wednesday in the hopes of ironing out a move for Pedro Porro, but Chelsea are emerging as a credible threat to hijack the move amid a mounting injury concern, per reports.

Tottenham are no stranger to having their moves hijacked, though reversed the roles on Tuesday afternoon.

Arnaut Danjuma was poised to complete a loan move to Everton and had even passed a medical and performed early media duties for the club.

However, Spurs swooped in at the eleventh hour and the Dutchman is now on course to call north London his new home.

Aside from in the forward line, Antonio Conte is also seeking a new addition at right wing-back and has turned to Sporting’s Pedro Porro.

The 23-year-old can be signed if Tottenham simply trigger his €45m (approx. £40m) release clause. But as yet, they’ve shown surprising reluctance to do so.

Indeed, Fabrizio Romano reported their first bid included a makeweight and in money terms, totalled just €37m (approx. £32.5m).

The Times later claimed Japhet Tanganga, Emerson Royal and Bryan Gil were the three players Spurs put forward for Sporting to choose from. However, the Evening Standard also add Davinson Sanchez’s name into the mix.

Romano subsequently reported a new round of talks between Spurs and Sporting will take place this week. Now, the Evening Standard echo that statement, though reveal the Chelsea spectre is looming large.

Pedro Porro outcome on the horizon one way or another

Firstly, it’s noted the fresh talks have been scheduled for today (Wednesday). A decisive outcome one way or another is expected to result from the discussions.

Sporting continue to point Tottenham towards the full €45m release clause and if Spurs balk, Chelsea could pounce.

The Blues are described as ‘tracking’ Porro, while the Express take it a step further, posing the question: ‘Chelsea to hijack Tottenham deal?’

Rousing Chelsea’s interest, per the Express, is continued concerns over Reece James’ injury issues.

The 23-year-old is one of the world’s finest right-backs when fit, though keeping him out of the treatment table has proved increasingly difficult in recent seasons.

His primary back-up, Cesar Azpilicueta, is 33 and notably on the decline. Porro would represent a fine option for Graham Potter if signed and may find himself starting more often than not if James cannot stay fit.

Spurs obviously hope they’ll be the one to benefit from Porro’s marauding displays. The picture should become a whole lot clearer once today’s fresh round of talks have concluded.

EVERTON REIGNITE ‘NEW MANE’ COUP

The managerless Toffees are expected to put their Danjuma disappointment quickly to bed and reignite a move for Rennes winger, Kamaldeen Sulemana, per a report.

Tottenham’s Danjuma hijack left Everton ‘furious and surprised’, according to Fabrizio Romano. However, per the Express, they’ll not wallow in self-pity for long.

The newspaper state Everton are ‘expected to re-explore’ a move to sign 20-year-old Ghana international Sulemana.

The Rennes forward plays primarily on the left wing and as such, could be considered the de facto replacement for Anthony Gordon if he moves to Newcastle. The Magpies have submitted an official bid and Everton are ‘willing to sell’.

Sulemana was previously on Liverpool’s radar late in 2022 after reportedly catching the eye of Jurgen Klopp. The German was targeting fresh firepower in the January window, though ultimately settled on Cody Gakpo instead.

Sulemana has featured sparingly for Rennes this season and is very much a diamond in the rough. Though as far as favourable comparisons go, being described as the ‘new Sadio Mane’ by Goal is as good as it gets.

The Express add Sulemana is set to become Everton’s ‘priority’ and they’ve already held ‘extensive talks’ with Rennes over a move.

Those discussions took place before they turned their attention to Danjuma instead. With the Dutchman now heading to Spurs, a Sulemana deal looks a straightforward one to reignite.

A six-month loan with an option to buy is expected. Rennes are described as ‘open to letting him leave’ if they receive a ‘fair proposal’. Given Everton’s desperation, they’re unlikely to play hard ball.

MBAPPE WANTS MAN CITY ACE AT PSG

Kylian Mbappe has urged PSG to explore a move for Man City playmaker Bernardo Silva, per a report.

That’s according to the Sun, who report Silva will consider his future once again at season’s end.

Silva, 28, has asked City to consider his sale in each of the last two summers and if it’s third time lucky, a reunion with Mbappe in Paris could await.

The pair previously played together at Monaco and Mbappe – who is increasingly influential behind the scenes in Paris – wants to play alongside Silva once again.

Silva’s deal at the Etihad doesn’t expire until 2025. As such, it’s claimed Pep Guardiola’s side won’t entertain anything but a ‘major offer’.

That shouldn’t be a problem for PSG, however, with finances not an issue since being owned by QSI since 2011.