Spurs 'ready' to make 'unprecedented' move for in-demand PL star

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly set their sights on an ambitious move for a Premier League superstar, despite the Lilywhites being seemingly well behind in the race for his signature.

Spurs haven’t had the most impressive of starts under Thomas Frank, with the Europa League holders in mid-table ahead of the festive period.

But they remain in contention for an automatic last-16 place in the Champions League, while the battle for Europe in the Premier League is extremely tight, meaning there is every chance Frank can turn things around and instil Tottenham’s place among the continent’s elite.

It appears that part of the plan to ensure that Spurs continue to prosper involves an aggressive transfer strategy, with recent reports suggesting that they are ‘ready’ to make an approach for a Manchester City and Liverpool target.

Antoine Semenyo has been one of the league’s brightest players this term, scoring six times in his first seven games.

While he has fallen off the pace in more recent weeks as Bournemouth’s form also dipped, there have been plenty of links between the Ghanaian and the so-called bigger Premier League clubs.

But while Manchester City are thought to be the favourites to capture Semenyo in the coming weeks, alongside champions Liverpool, Spurs are said to be plotting a move of their own.

According to TEAMtalk, Tottenham’s ‘unprecedented’ approach for Semenyo will involve breaking up their wage structure and activating his release clause, which comes into effect in the early part of January.

Ambition aside, they will face stiff competition from Pep Guardiola, whose club are thought to foresee no problems when it comes to personal terms, with Semenyo keen on challenging for silverware.

Where Spurs may get a leg up on the Citizens is by acting decisively. The report mentions how Semenyo’s release clause lowers in the summer, which may tempt clubs into waiting a little longer before lodging a bid.

However, the indication appears to be that Spurs are not in the mood to hang around.

The report went on to claim that ‘expectations are he will join a new club next month’, so moving quickly could yet be the key to Spurs getting their man.

Tottenham bringing Semenyo in would undoubtedly be a coup, even without the calibre of clubs vying for his services.

Spurs are separated from Bournemouth by just two points ahead of their trip to Nottingham Forest, while their season to date could be considered underwhelming – so what can they offer Semenyo?

Selling the project is surely the key, given they are apparently keen to break the bank for him, while there’s every chance City can act quickly themselves as they hunt down the title.

The decision Semenyo must be made to make is whether he would rather play a small part in a title-winning machine at City, or have the team built around him and have the chance to make history at Spurs.

Graduated in Sport Journalism (BA) with first-class honours from the University of Brighton and has since had bylines in The Times, sports business publication SportsPro, Football FanCast and The Gooner fanzine.