Tottenham’s pursuit of Eli Junior Kroupi has been handed fresh momentum by developments elsewhere in Europe, while a Premier League rival is circling Djed Spence and a club legend has offered his verdict on Roberto De Zerbi’s opening weeks. Here is where things stand.
PSG Turn To Ferran Torres, Boosting Tottenham’s Kroupi Hopes
According to TEAMtalk transfer correspondent Graeme Bailey, Paris Saint-Germain have shifted their attention to Barcelona forward Ferran Torres after concluding that a deal for Eli Junior Kroupi is unlikely to happen this summer. Bailey reports that Tottenham’s belief they can complete a deal for the Bournemouth forward has grown as a result, with the France Under-21 international said to have reservations about accepting a squad role behind Ousmane Dembele in Paris.
Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio reported that PSG have reached an agreement in principle with Torres, who is expected to leave Barcelona for a fee in the region of €35m (£30m), dealing a blow to Aston Villa’s own interest in the Spain international.
Kroupi’s camp are yet to commit either way. His agent, Moussa Sissoko, said: “We are still discussing his future. We’ll see what happens in the coming days; at the moment there is no final decision.” Bournemouth continue to value their 20-year-old at close to £100m, with Tottenham reported to be readying an opening offer of around £85m to test the Cherries’ resolve.
Everton’s Interest In Djed Spence Rumbles On
Spence’s performances for England at the World Cup have not gone unnoticed back home. The Athletic’s Jay Harris and Patrick Boyland have named Everton among the clubs considering a move for the full-back, who has deputised for the injury-hit Reece James in Thomas Tuchel’s back line throughout the tournament.
A sale would only make sense for Tottenham if a replacement homegrown option is lined up, with Roberto De Zerbi already settled on Destiny Udogie at left-back following the free transfer of Andy Robertson, and Pedro Porro first choice on the right.
Ledley King: De Zerbi Has Already Won Some Players Over
Former Tottenham captain Ledley King says Roberto De Zerbi’s arrival has had an instant effect off the pitch, even before a ball has been kicked in the new season. Speaking on The Managers podcast, King said he had been “really impressed” by the club’s business this summer and revealed the head coach has already talked some squad members out of leaving.
“There were certain players that were thinking about moving and have changed their tune,” King said, pointing to a rebuild that has already broken Tottenham’s transfer record twice this summer.
