Tottenham have leapfrogged Manchester United and Liverpool in the race to sign Benfica’s Gedson Fernandes, according to The Mirror.
Fernandes is valued at £35 million and the Portugal international’s representatives travelled to England last week to discuss a move with potential clubs.
Liverpool and Manchester United both expressed an interest in the 20-year-old but it appears Mauricio Pochettino has now edged in front of his Premier League rivals.
Fernandes has made 37 appearances in all competitions this term and has made an impressive start to his career with the Portuguese giants.
Good move for Tottenham?
Spurs have numerous players that look likely to depart the club this summer. Spurs have become an attractive proposition, the new stadium in addition to the club potentially being crowned Champions League winners are two big factors. The club are bigger and more significant than they ever have been and could become a dominant force in the future. Players like Fernandes will help to provide Spurs with a bright future and his eye-catching ability would give Pochettino healthy selection dilemmas next season.
This Is Futbol rating 7/10
Likely to happen?
Spurs are leading the race to sign him and are first in the queue. At £35 million and with just one real season of first-team football behind him, however, Pochettino may feel that the risk is too big to take. £35 million can get you proven talent in the current market and Fernandes may not even start for Spurs next campaign – and they may benefit by bringing in more proven players. The price tag could be a stumbling block. With that being said, Fernandes’ representatives have met with Spurs by the sounds of it and this could be a sign of a deal coming closer.
This Is Futbol rating 5/10