As Ange Postecoglou aims to overhaul the attack for a top-four finish next season, Tottenham Hotspur is interested in

Harvey Barnes this summer. However, Jacob Steinberg of the Guardian reports that they will face tough competition for the

Leicester City wide-man.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Barnes has suitors in Aston Villa and West Ham United, but Newcastle United may be in the lead

right now.

 

Tottenham brought in James Maddison to provide some creativity, but unless Postecoglou can secure certain transfer

targets, they might lose more players than they bring in. Therefore, they could use Barnes and another. Due to his

exorbitant, Ivan Perisic may be moved on, while misfit Bryan Gil may also be available for transfer. Spurs released Lucas

Moura on a free transfer.

 

Barnes rose through the youth ranks to Leicester’s first-team in 2018 and has gone on to make 187 appearances in all

competitions, scoring 45 goals with 32 assists. The-25-year-old scored 13 goals with three assists from 40 matches last

season, so he’s averaging just shy of a goal every other game at the King Power Stadium and netted more than Heung-min

Son (10).

 

Tottenham finished fifth in the Premier League for goals scored (70) but had only two players with more than five goals to

their name last season. Perisic was their top assist-maker in 2022/23 (8), but he’s expected to leave. This fills a void for

Maddison to fill, but Barnes could be another on the wishlist.

The England international has two years remaining on his deal at Leicester and isn’t expected to play in the Championship

next season, so a move will likely be granted for the right price. Steinberg intimated that Leicester want up to £50m for

Barnes but might have to lower their expectations as a second-tier club now, so Tottenham may be able to do a deal.

Leicester might be hoping a bid war ensues due to all the interest in Barnes’ signature, however. If Tottenham were

unwilling to pay more than £40m for Maddison, they’re unlikely to spend in excess of that for his former teammate.

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‘Top target’ – Fabrizio Romano delivers update on Tottenham transfer activity

Over the last couple of days, some publications have talked up the chances of Spurs moving for Micky van de Ven, with The

claiming on Tuesday that the Lilywhites are close to reaching an agreement with Wolfsburg for the 22-year-old.

Meanwhile, Alasdair Gold suggested on Football.London earlier this week that Tottenham consider Tapsoba as the more

‘ready made’ centre-back option compared to the Dutchman.

However, he explained that van de Ven could also operate as a left-back and would be less expensive than the Burkina Faso

international, which could count in the Netherlands international’s favour. 

Tottenham in talks for Tapsoba and van der Ven

Romano has now taken to social media to state that Tottenham are yet to decide who to sign between the Leverkusen and

Wolfsburg defenders, with the Premier League side said to be continuing talks over deals for both players.

The journalist made it clear that Tapsoba has always been the top centre-back target for Ange Postecoglou’s men.

He wrote on Twitter: Edmond Tapsoba remains in Tottenham list as talks are still ongoing. He’s always been top target as

new CB. 

“Spurs are now working on both van de Ven & Tapsoba deals; up to the club to decide who they want to sign, also based on

financial package.”

While Tapsoba might be Tottenham’s top target, the question is how long would the North London club be prepared to wait

for a breakthrough before deciding to push ahead with the signing of Van de Ven. 

All indications are that they have laid the necessary groundwork to sign the Wolfsburg star and could complete the deal

swiftly if they wish to do so.  

Tapsoba is going to cost Tottenham are significantly higher fee and it remains to be seen whether the club are prepared to

spend more to land their top target or take a chance on van de Ven who albeit has good potential, is not at the same level of

his Bundesliga colleague at this stage of his career.

He has already made 100 German top flight appearances compared to van de Ven’s 38 and also has Champions League and

Europa League experience (transfermarkt).