OPINION
Every year, without fail, Tottenham Hotspur leave their transfer business to the last minute.
Whether it is the summer or winter window, you can count on Spurs being involved in the final hours, as Daniel Levy attempts to whittle away a few pennies from a deal that should already be done.
This month looks no different, as the club have recently been linked with a trio of Brazilian wingers, all of whom look to cost a pretty significant amount of money.
Initially there was Paris St-Germain’s Lucas Moura, who, according to L’Equipe, was wanted on loan by Spurs.
However, it does at this point look as though Spurs have turned their attention elsewhere with PSG asking for £35million, and in particular to two 20-year-old stars of the future.
Malcom, another Brazilian flyer in Ligue 1, who currently plies his trade for Bordeaux and has been tearing it up for them this season, is the first target.
According to Football Insider, Spurs are closing in on a deal for the 20-year-old, with the club in advanced talks for a deal to buy him and then loan him back to Bordeaux for the remainder of the campaign.
And then there is Ajax starlet David Neres, who according to Goal, has been lined up as a back-up plan if their bid to buy Malcom falls flat.
It is said that Spurs are lining up talks with Ajax for Neres, who was a £10.8million signing from Sao Paulo in the summer.
Goal believe that a fee for Neres would be much cheaper than one for Malcom, who is said to be commanding a fee between £35-44million.
And, for that reason alone, Spurs should move to plan B instead.
Malcom has scored seven goals and provided five assists in 21 appearances in Ligue 1 this season, and he has undoubtedly lit up French football with his play.
His highlight reel of stunning goals, silky skills, and nice assists is impressive, and there is no denying that the 20-year-old is set for stardom.
However, if you look at Neres, he has all those attributes, but for a cheaper fee.
The Ajax man has been in stunning form all season, and has even more impressive stats of eight goals and 11 assists from just 17 Eredivisie appearances this campaign.
Admittedly, the standard may be slightly lower in the Netherlands than in France, but those numbers are eye-catching nonetheless.
And, if you look at opinions back in Brazil, Neres is clearly seen as the bigger talent.
As reported to Calciomercato, Neres has been dubbed the ‘little Neymar’ in Brazil, where he is extremely highly regarded.
With the young wing wizard having cost Ajax £10.8million last summer, and considering his form and the transfer market right now, Spurs would probably be able to secure Neres for £25-30million.
Whatever Malcom has done to justify his overpriced £35million+ price tag, Neres has done equally, if not better this season.
The solution is quite simple: Spurs must sack off their pursuit of Malcom, and move for Neres instead.