Gossip: Spurs to break record for England defender
POCH KEANE ON ENGLAND CENTRE-BACK
With the stadium now complete, it’s time for Mauricio Pochettino to rebuild his squad. To start, the Tottenham boss is looking to reinforce his defence.
Toby Alderweireld will probably leave Spurs in the summer, while Jan Vertonghen isn’t getting any younger. So, according to the Daily Express, Pochettino wants Michael Keane.
He wants the Everton centre-back so badly, Pochettino is prepared to smash the club’s transfer record. Spurs are apparently willing to pay £50million for Keane, but their interest is complicated by Arsenal’s fondness for the 26-year-old.
SPURS DRAGGED INTO COSTA BATTLE
Tottenham have also joined the queue for Douglas Costa. Manchester United, Manchester City and PSG have all been linked with the Juventus attacker, but Tuttosport is crediting Spurs with an interest in the Brazilian.
Costa has started only eight games in Serie A and the Champions League this season but Juve are still looking for big money. The 28-year-old cost just over £34million when he joined permanently from Bayern Munich last summer and despite scoring only one goal this term, Juve are looking for a fee in excess of £50million which, if you were sceptic, could explain why the club might try to build up a phoney bidding war.
ARSENAL EAGLE-EYED FOR CHERRIES STAR
Ryan Fraser has been rather more productive this season and, finally, the big clubs are taking notice.
No one, not Mo Salah or Eden Hazard, has created more Big Chances than the Bournemouth winger and it seems Arsenal and Spurs both want a piece of the Scotland winger.
The Mirror says the Gunners have identified Fraser as a summer target, regardless of where they end the season. Unai Emery’s budget will depend on whether he can secure a Champions League place and with Arsenal now sat in third place, things are coming up Milhouse for the manager.
Arsenal are also on the hunt for a sporting director and L’Equipe claims Andoni Zubizarreta has become their primary candidate. The former Barcelona director of football is currently serving at Marseille and the 57-year-old is said to be tempted by what the Gunners have to offer.
AND THE REST
Ander Herrera will sign a pre-contract agreement with PSG… Man Utd are closing in on the appointment of their first technical director…Wolves are keen on signing Southampton defender Cedric Soares… QPR have held talks with Tim Sherwood over their vacant managerial post… Man Utd want Juan Mata to become a club ambassador at the end of his playing career… Sam Allardyce is a strong favourite for the West Brom job… Hull are among the Championship clubs eyeing Bristol Rovers striker Jonson Clarke-Harris.