Tottenham face competition from Everton for Lille defender Zeki Celik as they consider offloading Juan Foyth.
Their rivalry with the Toffees is becoming the tale of the transfer window, as both clubs competed for former Southampton captain Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, but it seems as though Spurs have won the race to sign Jose Mourinho’s top target this summer.
According to The Telegraph’s Matt Law, as relayed by @TranSPURS, Tottenham are willing to sell either Foyth or Serge Aurier to fund a transfer for the right-back.
The Lilywhites are well aware that they will have to offload players in the summer and both defenders are at the top of the list. Spurs are believed to have held talks with AC Milan to sort out a deal for Aurier, while the 22-year-old Argentine continues to be linked with a move to Leeds United.
Daniel Levy is hoping to raise some cash from their sales to make a move for Celik, who moved to Lille from Turkish side Istanbulspor in 2018.
The 23-year-old right-back has earned rave reviews at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy, becoming Christopher Galtier’s first choice in that position in the process. Les Dogues are demanding £18m for his signature, which should in theory be more than affordable for Spurs.
Mourinho managed to muddle through the majority of last season with Aurier as the club’s only designated right-back, although the 60-cap Ivory Coast international struggled for consistency.
Foyth, who was once considered a prodigy of former boss Mauricio Pochettino, finds himself out of favour with the Argentine’s successor as he has featured just twice for Mourinho since the Portuguese native replaced Pochettino last year.
The Lilywhites are also in the race to sign Norwich City’s Max Aarons but the 14-cap Turkish international could be a better option, as he has played in the Champions League before. Celik is only a couple of years older than Aarons so could become a mainstay in the first team for many years to come.
In comparison, Foyth failed to score or provide a single assist in the Premier League last season, and Spurs should not get in his way if he wants to leave. Celik, who has been described by Duncan Castles as “powerful in defensive duels and a good provider of crosses” could be the perfect replacement for the Argentina international at Tottenham.
Tottenham fans, do you think Levy should sign Celik? Let us know your views in the comments below!
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