Tottenham Hotspur have yet to sign a new player during the transfer window.
Spurs haven’t even been linked with many players, other than Wilfried Zaha and Jack Grealish. Mauricio Pochettino’s side could be priced out of a move for Zaha, who now looks set to stay at Crystal Palace, but they remain interested in Grealish.
According to a report in The Times, Tottenham are in “advanced talks” to sign Grealish from Villa and are preparing to bid £20m for the England U21 international.
However, considering Grealish is Villa’s most talented and valuable player, the club may reject that bid.
Spurs spent £30m on Moussa Sissoko two years ago, and transfer fees have since dramatically inflated. So, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Championship club hold out for a better offer.
The report claims that Grealish has indicated that he wants to join Tottenham, but it looks like he’ll begin the new season with his hometown club. Villa will start their season away to Hull City on Monday, August 6.
The transfer window is due to close for English clubs on August 10, meaning there isn’t a lot of time to get the deal done. Villa also have new owners and aren’t under as much pressure to sell as they were just a month ago, so it could be up to Spurs to increase their offer. Grealish has two years left on his contract at Villa Park.
Earlier this week, Spurs manager Pochettino said he didn’t know if the club would sign anyone this summer.
“I cannot tell you if we’re going to sign one, zero, two or three or four,” he told reporters in the United States before Spurs played AC Milan in a friendly.
“We’re working. It’s true it’s so close, the transfer window is so close, but the club’s doing everything to help the team and add some players, more quality, and try to help us in the season to achieve what we want.”
Spurs start their season away to Newcastle United on Saturday, August 11. They are due to play their first game at the revamped White Hart Lane on September 15, against Liverpool.
