Tottenham are reportedly in a three-way Premier League battle for the signature of centre-back Abdul Mumin this summer.
Spurs, Aston Villa and Newcastle are all showing an interest in the 22-year-old, who plays for Portuguese top-flight side Vitoria. But it’s the side from north London who are said to be leading the chase for his signature.
The Sun reports that Mumin, who only joined Vitoria from Danish side Nordsjaelland last year, will cost around £15million.
The young defender has firmly established himself as an important first-team player this season. Indeed, Mumin has made 26 first-team appearances for a Vitoria sitting sixth in the Portuguese Primeira Liga.
The report adds that Mumin is “quick” as well as “dominant in the air”. That will come as music to the ears of Tottenham fans, given that Davinson Sanchez is arguably the quickest centre-back on their books but is prone to too many defensive lapses.
An official approach is unlikely to take place for the defender at this stage while a new manager is not in place.
Tottenham expect to rectify that situation over the coming weeks, with Ryan Mason currently in temporary charge.
Lazio boss Simeone Inzaghi is the current bookies’ favourite for the role, with Scott Parker and Graham Potter also firmly in the running.
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Real chasing Tottenham playmaker
Meanwhile, Real Madrid are reportedly interested in signing out of favour Tottenham midfielder Tanguy Ndombele this summer.
The future of the club’s record signing is in the balance once again after interim boss Ryan Mason dropped him down the bench. After starting Mason’s first game in charge, the win over Southampton, the talented playmaker has now lost his place – with his biggest snub coming in the Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City.
A Tottenham source has reportedly told Football Insider that the club have been approached by the Spanish giants and are fully aware of their ‘strong interest’.
At this stage, Spurs have no interest in selling the £54million man. Several factors have led to that decision, most notably the fact that a new manager will be arriving this summer.
Daniel Levy is already said to have held talks with potential candidates. However, the club are no nearer to announcing Jose Mourinho’s successor.
It was under Mourinho that Ndombele finally started to make his mark on the Tottenham team.
Having initially struggled to convince the Portuguese he was worthy of regular first-team football, the 24-year-old eventually won Mourinho round.
He impressed playing as a No. 10 in the first half of the season. However, Mourinho’s decision to move him alongside Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in central midfield coincided with a poor run of results.
Ndombele benched by Mason
That eventually led to Mourinho being axed and now Ndombele finding himself back on the bench again.
He has made 28 Premier League starts among 44 appearances in all competitions, notching six goals and four assists.
Were Spurs to even consider selling, they would want their initial outlay covered.
Despite Real struggling financially they are still in the market to freshen up their squad. Indeed, Ndombele is viewed as a long-term successor to 35-year-old Luka Modric at the Bernabeu.
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