OPINION
With Tottenham battling the likes of Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal for a top four finish in the Premier League, it should not come as a surprise if they were all to be seeking out the same sort of transfer targets ahead of the summer.
There are only so many quality talents who could improve a side in the top five of the Premier League and when all the clubs are seeking out the same sort of player, they will all have their sights set on a handful of players they want to poach.
One man who has been stealing the limelight outside of the top flight’s big boys has been West Ham’s midfield enforcer Declan Rice, who again made headlines this week after committing his international future to England despite having picked up caps for the Republic of Ireland in friendly outings.
The youngster has gone from strength to strength with his performances and is without a doubt among the front runners to be named the Irons’ player of the season – which is why Paul Merson has tipped there to be a huge transfer battle emerging in east London for his capture.
Writing in his Daily Star column, he said: “He signed a new contract but it’s not worth a whole lot of money and he could certainly earn a lot more elsewhere. Any of the top teams would take him.
“Manchester United and Arsenal both need a midfielder. Even Manchester City need someone to come in for Fernandinho now and then. He’s got a massive future in the game but he’s got to keep on doing it and not get distracted by all the hype around him.I suspect that he will just keep on getting better and better.”
The pundit is right to highlight the trio of giants as needing a new midfielder but following Mousa Dembele’s exit, Spurs also need someone to fill the void and Rice ticks all the boxes.
Young, English and a London boy through and through, Mauricio Pochettino’s side have got to blow their rivals away in sealing his capture – or miss out on one of the brightest talents in the top flight right now.