Tottenham have tabled a £38.6million (€45million) bid for Benfica midfielder Gedson Fernandes after his impressive breakthrough season in Portugal, according to Corriere Da Manha.
The Portuguese publication claim on their website that the Lilywhites have launched an offer for the 20-year-old but that Benfica chief Luis Felipe Vieira deemed the offer not enough to allow the exciting young talent leave the club.
Fernandes made his senior debut for the Portuguese outfit this season and has gone on to make 44 appearances across all competitions, helping his side lead the way in the Primeira Liga as well as reaching the Europa League quarter finals.
Good move for Tottenham?
Spurs know the value in youth and they seem to think that Fernandes could well be the next big thing.
However, can he really be trusted to do a job after just one season of professional football?
Yes, he has been playing in the Champions League and the Europa League but there is still no guarantee he is going to hit the heights expected.
It is an ambitious move and one based on hope and expectation rather than proven ability and talent – it is a move which could end up being brilliant, but also one which threatens to be a big waster of money down the line.
Tottenham do not have bottomless pockets when it comes to funds and so they should really consider whether he is worth the money.
This is Futbol rating: 5/10
Likely to happen?
The report says that Spurs’ bid had been rejected and you cannot see Daniel Levy handing out much more for a player who is still cutting his teeth in the professional game.
If Tottenham think he is special, they will put the money forward but right now, you would expect them to pursue other avenues before returning for Fernandes.
This is Futbol rating: 3/10