Rival snub sees intriguing attacker deal put on plate for Tottenham
Tottenham Hotspur have been offered the chance to sign Philippe Coutinho after he went cold on the idea of an alternative Premier League move, according to reports.
Coutinho has struggled in general since leaving the Premier League in 2018. His big-money move from Liverpool to Barcelona has not gone to plan. Therefore, the idea of him returning to English football has been lingering for a while.
It remains unclear exactly where he would end up. A number of clubs could be suitors, such as newly-rich Newcastle United.
The Magpies are hoping to attract high-calibre players after their Saudi-backed takeover. Someone like Coutinho, also looking to revive his fortunes, could be an ideal target.
However, their preparations for the January transfer window have been complicated by their position in the table. Indeed, the Sunday Mirror report that Coutinho is reluctant to sign up for Newcastle’s relegation battle.
Barcelona are actively looking to offload him to clear space for their pursuit of Manchester City forward Ferran Torres. Therefore, he was on offer to the Magpies. But Coutinho has not given his approval to the destination despite the finances potentially on offer.
Another solution, though, could come in the shape of Spurs. The report claims Tottenham have also been offered the chance to sign Coutinho too.
It is not clear how Coutinho would feel about such a transfer. But Tottenham are in a better position than Newcastle in the table.
They could be busy in January, their first transfer window since Antonio Conte became head coach. Managing director Fabio Paratici already oversaw a number of summer deals. But after his reunion with the demanding Conte, he could be active again in the winter.
Of course, at this stage, Coutinho is merely on offer to them. Only time will tell if they will show an interest in taking him. But an attacking midfielder of his sort would not be unwelcome in a side that has struggled for goals this season.
Tottenham would have to weigh up whether his high wages would be worth it, though.
Coutinho not only attacking Tottenham target
Another attack-minded player to be linked with Tottenham recently has been Dejan Kulusevski.
The 21-year-old has fallen out of favour under Max Allegri at Juventus this term. However, according to Corriere Torino, that has not diminished him in Paratici’s eyes.
Paratici pulled the strings to bring Kulusevski to Turin in 2020. In the present day, the article states he remains the ‘number one fan’ of the lively winger.
Calciomercato recently reported that Tottenham scouts were in attendance to see Kulusevski in action versus Genoa on December 5.
Adding further fuel to the fire was the claim Spurs – as well as Arsenal – were in contact with the player’s agent, Alessandro Lucci. The Gunners are also admirers of the Swede, and have formulated their own January plans.
The most recent reports confirm Juventus are open to his sale. They are seeking around €35m for his signature. Earlier reports suggested the north London clubs were pursuing loan deals with an option to buy.
England is supposedly going to be his ‘next destination’. Both Arsenal and Spurs are willing to ‘sink the blow in January’.
On the player’s end, Kulusevski is reportedly open to a change of scenery and ‘wouldn’t oppose’ a switch.
And with Paratici holding good relations with Juventus and signing the player once before, it would appear Spurs are in the best position to snag the player he remains a huge admirer of.
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