Number one priority for Spurs in the forthcoming transfer window has to be a striker but the media continue to concentrate on midfield targets at the start of the week. A number of players have been mentioned in recent days but as the summer wears on, the transfer fees continue to rise to a point where you feel they are beyond the club’s budget.
First up is Atletico Mineiro’s Bernard who, it was thought, would be available next month for a fee in the region of £15m and his parent club seemed certain that the player would be on the move.
“I have five clubs interested in Bernard,” said Atletico’s President Alexandre Kalil. “I will find it very difficult to keep Bernard after the Libertadores.”
“It’s true that Dortmund have made a bid for Bernard but an English team is closer to signing him,” Kalil added.
However, stories today suggest that the asking price has jumped to £21m which would be a more realistic figure for Dortmund to achieve.
It’s a similar tale with Inter Milan’s Colombian international Fredy Guarin amidst rumours of a definite, £17m bid from White Hart Lane. The figure that Inter are believed to be holding out for is the same as Bernard’s – £21m.
But the final price hike looks to be the most outrageous of all with suggestions that Wigan have placed a figure of £20m on the head of their Irish International midfielder James McCarthy. Everton are now thought to be in the race for the 22 year old after landing his former Wigan boss Roberto Martinez but £20m can only be a ‘go away’ price.
If you believe what you read, Spurs are determined to sign a new central midfielder before the start of the season but must surely be priced out of the market if those quoted fees are correct.
Interesting that we are being linked with 2 distinct types:
1. Powerful runner, with decent passing, can score goals, box-to-box. (Guarin, paulinho)
2. Creative, fast, can play either side, scores goals, creates goals, can also play through the middle. (Bernard, Lamela).
Not that many links with out and out strikers that I actually believe (most seem lazy and recycled). Not many links with a real passer in midfield (a Moutinho, or Pirlo type). Surprising. Of course most of the rumours are likely complete crap, but Paulinho and Guarin I 75% believe, Bernard 50%.
Things moving fast with Baldini presumably behind the scenes. Clearly a new direction if we are after all these south americans. If any join hopefully they’ll adapt quickly before away game at stoke in january. Actually, maybe we should just play the foreigners in the summer and english lads in the winter?
I find it difficult to believe that Porto are willing to pay €25m for Bernard as it is not how they work, they are known for getting players cheap and selling for inflated prices (even better than Levy!). This is just the usual marketing ploy by south American clubs to create a bidding war. As for the other players i.e. Guarin i hope we dont pursue as he would not be my first choice as Paulinho is cheaper, younger and possibly the better all round player who like Lampard makes late runs into the box and scores goals as well as having good defensive qualities, Lamela looks like a top prospect but would cost at least £20m. The acquisition of creative midfield players is equally as important as a striker as our ability to break down defences last year who “parked the bus” was poor, thus Bales goals became ever more important, we need players with quick feet guile and vision to help the striker next season. Lets hope for the best, we all know Levy will do his best to pick the players he wants because he thinks he knows best. Pray for change, back AVB and allow Spurs to move foreword Levy!!!!
COYS Adere est Facere !! 🙂
I can’t help but think Pritchard should be given a chance in attacking midfield role, he is very talented and with Carroll the best to come through our youth in a while.
Could not agree more!!! – There have been times over the past 18 months when I have been in despair seeing Livermore and Parker played together, it got worse at times when at least one of parker or livermre was played with huddlestone,.
All good pros and damn sight better players than any of us bloggers will ever be, but none of them (inc huddlestone who is f**king wasteful!) have the ability to keep and recycle possession like Carroll!!! – Agenuine bright light for the future!! – I wish he had played more last year. Cant comment on young Alex Pritchard, I just havent seen enough of him 🙁
Looks like we might be actually trying to sign players before the deadline this summer. Levy must know if messed up in Jan not buying a striker. Still, i guess if the payers you want aren’t available then don’t spend the money.
Interesting dynamics. PSG want AVB and Bale so AVB is using this as leverage to make Levy buy the players he wants, sell the ones he doesn’t rate and most importantly keep hold of Bale. And get the players in early. Not on the last bloody day. Otherwise he might as well go to PSG right