da esoccer bet： Today’s Tottenham Hotspur transfer roundup takes a look at the three hottest transfer rumours doing the rounds over the last 72 hours, featuring Serge Aurier, a Kosovan forward and a Leicester City trio.
Aurier happy in north London
da imperador bet： Report: As told by the Mirror, Serge Aurier is happy to stay at Spurs despite being keen on departing the club during the summer transfer window. The 26-year-old has played a sporadic role in the side ever since signing from Paris Saint-Germain in 2017, appearing just 19 times in the Premier League. However, with the lack of game time seemingly pushing him towards an exit, Aurier recently said when questioned about if he wanted to leave: “Yes, but that was the situation before the transfer window closed, the transfer window is now closed, now I am calm and happy to stay. I speak with everyone, I don’t want to leave.”
Verdict: The Ivory Coast international signed with high expectations two years ago in the wake of Kyle Walker’s departure, but has struggled to really hold down a place in the team. However, with Kieran Trippier leaving for Atletico Madrid, now should be Aurier’s time to cement the right-back slot. Although Kyle Walker-Peters has had a good start to the campaign with three Premier League appearances, the ex-PSG man has experience winning league titles with PSG and playing in Europe, giving Spurs a well-seasoned defender at their disposal.
How likely is he to leave? 4/10
Scouts sent out for Muriqi
Report: According to the Express, both Manchester United and Spurs deployed their scouts to St. Mary’s during the international break to report on Kosovo striker Vedat Muriqi. United are believed to want the 25-year-old to fill the boots of Romelu Lukaku, whilst the Lilywhites are looking for a backup to Harry Kane. The report does not suggest a price for the Fenerbahce striker, but it is believed the club are considering cashing in on the Kosovan whilst he is in red hot form.
Verdict: It would be a smart move for Pochettino considering both Muriqi’s form and the Argentine’s lack of options up top. This season, Muriqi has bagged twice in four games for Fenerbahce and has played an integral role for his nation during the European Championship qualifiers, scoring three times in five games (statistics as per WhoScored).
Furthermore, Kane is the only recognised striker in Spurs’ current squad and although Troy Parrott has been discussed as a potential option, he is just 17 years old and may struggle to adapt so quickly. As a result, this is a transfer Daniel Levy should consider – if Kane were to be sidelined, things could get ugly for Spurs.
How likely is a deal? 5/10
Spurs keeping tabs on Leicester trio
Report: Football Insider reports that Spurs are keeping a watchful eye over James Maddison, Demarai Gray and Harvey Barnes. The report claims that Pochettino is an admirer of the three Leicester players with the aim of stealing them away in either January or next summer. No valuations have been revealed, but ESPN reports that the Foxes value Maddison at £70m – perhaps that is a good indication that Gray and Barnes may be expensive purchases, also.
Verdict: In reality, without an obscene number on the cheque, it is incredibly doubtful that Spurs would be able to prize away all three men. It is one thing being so talented, but the fact all three are English prospects as well will no doubt force the fee even higher. Spurs, however, are well covered in most attacking areas, especially with Dele Alli back to full fitness. Should Christian Eriksen leave in the summer when his contract expires, however, Maddison would be a strong addition to fill that void. He’s averaged 1.8 key passes per game this season, a similar level to Eriksen’s 2.1 last term.
As for Barnes and Gray, neither have been regular starters this season, with just one Premier League start apiece, so a deal for those two seems less likely.
How likely is a deal? 6/10