Tottenham Hotspur are closing in on the signing of Newcastle United star Ayoze Perez, according to reports in Italy.
Perez, who has two years remaining on his current contract, enjoyed a stellar season for Newcastle, scoring 12 goals and providing two assists in 37 Premier League appearances.
The 25-year-old has been linked with a move to Serie A with Inter Milan and Napoli said to be interested, but Italian outlet CalcioNapoli 24 believes his future lies at another Premier League club.
A report claims Spurs have made an offer of around £25 million for Perez and a deal is close to being completed.
Mauricio Pochettino is apparently a fan of the Spaniard, so the transfer is likely to depend on the Tottenham manager’s future.
The story also suggests Erik Lamela will be sold this summer to make room for Perez in the Spurs squad.
Tottenham haven’t been linked with Perez at all in the British press, so this story has come totally out of the blue.
With that in mind, it’s difficult to read it as anything other than speculation right now, but it’s certainly one to keep an eye on.
Don’t think so Perez wants to go home to Spain to play
The most incredible rumours start in Italy, followed by Spain. Poetic licence or just lies?
Perez for lamela would make sense based on injury records a d age
Do we want to return to the old ,.finish 8th days ?.
If so perfect signing !!!.
Would need £40m to start talking but given the recent takeover news it’s likely he’ll want to stick around and enjoy the ride (if the takeover happens)
Why would anyone leave Newcastle for Spurs?
Andy they are playing some beautiful football for an owner the fans don’t want to see physically injured. We’d sell him because he won’t be worth as much next year. If I was Perez it would depend on which manager starts at which club, because there’s a good chance one or both will be elsewhere next season.