Tottenham Hotspur have lined up Ajax starlet David Neres as a back-up plan if negotiations for Bordeaux winger Malcom fail, according to Goal.
The football website claim that Spurs are set for talks over a deal for 20-year-old Neres, whose transfer fee would be much lower than that of Brazilian compatriot Malcom, which looks to be around £35million.
Goal report that talks over a deal for Malcom, also 20, are to continue in the coming days, and Mauricio Pochettino has even been involved in discussions with his representatives in London.
Right-winger Neres has been in scintillating form in the Eredivisie this season, scoring eight goals and laying on 11 assists in just 17 appearances for Ajax, who sit in second.
Good move for Tottenham Hotspur?
It would seem a sensible option for Spurs to have a back-up plan if the Malcom deal falls through, and Neres is a very decent alternative.
The Ajax winger is exactly the same age as his fellow Brazilian, but as reported by Goal, would cost much less than the £35million touted for Malcom.
Neres has been hugely productive for Ajax this season, with his high numbers of goals and assists coming from a wide position on the right.
It looks as though Spurs are set on securing a winger, and that is a great move considering the lack of pace they currently have in wide areas.
This is Futbol rating: 8/10
Likely to happen?
Obviously this one would depend on several factors.
Firstly, it would need the Malcom discussions to fail, then it would need Ajax to be willing to let Neres leave the club.
Then the two clubs would have to thrash out details of a move, which could take a while.
Overall, it looks a long shot, with the Malcom deal looking closer and closer to completion.
This is Futbol rating: 3/10