Tottenham are firmly in the frame to beat Manchester City to the signing of Irish sensation Gavin Bazunu, according to the manager of the player.
Shamrock Rovers boss Stephen Bradley has told the Irish Independent that Spurs could still pip the Premier League champions to the signature of the goalkeeper, 16, in what has now become a two-horse race.
The newspaper claim Tottenham have tabled an offer for Bazunu, who is set to eventually move for a League of Ireland record in excess of £450,000, with a final decision expected next month.
“There’s no secret that everyone wants him and we’re right down the line in terms of getting something done,” said Bradley to the Irish Independent. “There’s nothing agreed or signed but we’re right down the line talking to two clubs.”
The newspaper report that Bradley nodded when asked if it was City and Spurs in the equation.
“I’d imagine in the next month or so (a choice),” said Bradley to the Irish Independent. “It’s all still going on behind the scenes, that will look after itself. Both clubs have shown a big, big interest in him.”
OPINION
The final destination of the wonderkid will depend partly on the offers tabled by the Premier League big guns – which will need to match Shamrock’s valuation – but also on the player himself. Which club will be best for his development and career? Tottenham and City have two of the best and most successful academies in English football, with both throwing money and resources into producing the next generation of superstars. Spurs can point to a clear pathway from their own academy into the first team – Harry Kane and Harry Winks are the most notable current graduates – while City have made immense progress in recent years in bringing through the cream of homegrown and European talent, if not in replicating the Londoners by establishing those youngsters in the senior side. Certainly, Bazunu has made astonishing progress in recent months since breaking into the Rovers first team and keeping four straight clean sheets in his first four games. It is in the London club’s favour that they have already put an offer on the table for the rising star, who already stands at 6ft (source: Transfermarkt) and is set to fill out further.