Should Spurs re-ignite their interest in this £21.8m sensation?

Despite his commonplace name, young Brazilian playmaker Bernard is no commonplace talent.

The 20-year-old Atletico Mineiro star has been building a name for himself over the last two-or-three seasons, but has really come to the fore this summer, as numerous top European clubs have started to reveal their interest.

There’s good reason for all this foofooraw. By all accounts, Bernard is a tricky character. He’s got quick feet, and once he’s beaten his man and put on the after burners, he’s almost impossible to catch. Best of all, his flair is matched by his craft, endeavour and energy.

He’s the kind of player who’s willing to run flat out for ninety minutes plus. This isn’t just youthful exuberance. You get the feeling that this determination is written into his DNA. When you combine his attitude, work-rate and clear ability, there’s plenty of reason to get excited about young Bernard.

It’s worth noting once more that he’s just 20-years-old. There’s no telling exactly how good he could become over the next few years.

According to Atletico Mineiro president Alexandre Kalili, Tottenham are one of the clubs to have made a bid for Bernard.

“Tottenham made an offer of €18 million (£15.7m) for Bernard but they withdrew. Arsenal told us that they would bid but never did so. So what we have now is a €25m (£21.8m) bid from Shakhtar.

If he does not want to go to Ukraine, that’s no problem. It’s in his hands. I have talked with him. It’s a private matter. If he does not want to go, we will not force him.” (Source: The Star)

This doesn’t surprise me in the slightest. Andre Villas-Boas is known to favour young attacking talent and this Mineiro wonder-kid certainly ticks that box.

What’s not clear, is whether Tottenham would have to match Shakhtar’s bid to make a deal happen. What’s more, it’s not clear when Spurs were interested in the player. Was it before Paulinho was signed? Has AVB moved on?

So many questions. One thing I know for sure is that Bernard would be a fine asset for Spurs. He’s a player whose price-tag is likely to sky-rocket over the coming years.

But he’d be more than a cash-cow for Spurs to milk. He also looks ready to make an impact in the Premier League.

AVB will likely have to act quickly, if he’s still interested, to fight off interest from Shakhtar. But, I certainly wouldn’t blame him for wanting to make a deal happen.

What’s your take? Should Spurs re-ignite their interest in this Brazilian sensation?

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