Tottenham and Manchester United look set to go head to head for the signing of Bournemouth striker Josh King as the Cherries slap a £25million price tag on his head, according to the Sun.
The newspaper claim on their website that new United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is keen on securing a reunion with the former Old Trafford youngster, who he worked with as a youth coach earlier in his career.
However Tottenham are said to be rivalling their Premier League counterparts for the Norwegian international and the report goes on to say that manager Eddie Howe is unlikely to let King, who has five goals to his name this season, depart without a fight.
Good move for Tottenham?
A move for King ticks a number of boxes at Spurs and so it should not be a surprise to see them linked with a move.
Firstly, he is a proven Premier League talent with a clear eye for goal and with a lack of options behind Harry Kane – Fernando Llorente not showing the ability to be a reliable back up option – and that is what Mauricio Pochettino is lacking.
Secondly, thanks to his time at Old Trafford as a youngster the 26-year-old is considered homegrown when it comes to registration rules and that has been Tottenham’s downfall in the likes of the Champions League.
He is not going to be a game changer by himself but he is certainly a worthy option to consider.
This is Futbol: 8/10
Likely to happen?
It all depends on whether Spurs view him as worth that £25million price tag.
If not, then United are likely to have a clear shot at his signing and even in a two horse battle, Spurs do not have the same financial clout to persuade the player to move to north London over the north west.
The promise of game time could well be the difference and Tottenham should be able to offer more than United.
This is Futbol rating: 6/10