Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino is among a trio of European coaches eyeing up a summer swoop for red hot Marseille forward Florian Thauvin, according to RMC.
The French television station report on their website that the Lilywhites are joined by Euro heavyweights Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid in pursuing the 25-year-old winger after his sensational performances for the Ligue 1 side.
The former Newcastle man, who was a flop in the Premier League with little to show from his 13 appearances in England’s top flight, has contributed to 44 goals across all competitions, scoring 26 and chipping in with a further 18 assists to help his side finish fourth in the league table as well as reach the Europa League final.
However Spurs might face a battle in getting him back to England, with the report stating he is set to open talks over a new contract with Marseille.
Good move for Tottenham?
It depends which Thauvin they get their hands on, for the one ripping it up with Marseille is a different man to the one fans at Newcastle saw in his brief spell at St James’ Park.
He looks to have really knuckled down and put the hard work into being the best at what he does, and it has been rewarded with a spot in France’s World Cup squad, as he looks to add to his three international caps.
Spurs do not use out-and-out wingers and so Thauvin would be pushed into a more central position, expecting to be able to cut out wide or come inside, and that versatility is what has made him such a success.
On paper he looks like a brilliant piece of business for whoever gets a hold of him, but replicating this season’s form will be a tough ask.
This is Futbol rating: 8/10
Likely to happen?
It does not look likely, especially with contract talks reported.
Thauvin could not settle in England and while north London is very different from the north east, he is unlikely to want to return in a hurry.
With the likes of Bayern on his tail, who can offer him regular title challenges, Spurs would have to do something special to get him on board.
This is Futbol rating: 2/10