Tottenham Transfer News: Spurs make contact over star, Frank wants Jan deal

Spurs have reportedly ‘taken the lead’ in the race for an accomplished midfielder after making direct contact over a possible move.

Tottenham’s bleak season was offered some respite in midweek as they qualified for the last 16 of the Champions League, avoiding a potentially gruelling play-off round to slightly ease their fixture schedule.

While their Premier League form has shown few signs of improving, some new faces in N17 over the past few weeks could help lift the mood in north London – with more potentially to come.

Despite the January arrival of Conor Gallagher to bolster central midfield, it appears Thomas Frank is not done evolving that area of his Tottenham squad.

According to Spain-based news outlet Fichajes, Tottenham have moved ahead of Atletico Madrid in the race to sign Bayern Munich’s Leon Goretzka before the transfer deadline on 2nd February.

Goretzka is currently available on a pre-contract agreement to non-German clubs, but a January deal would steal a march on those trying to sign him and nab the 30-year-old’s services for an extra six months.

The midfielder’s future continues to hang in the balance as we approach the transfer deadline, with an extension at Bayern still possible.

Journalist Florian Plettenberg’s latest update on Goretzka indicated that he has yet to make a decision on his future amid intense interest from Atletico Madrid, who had been Spurs’ main rivals for the six-time Bundesliga champion.

However, the reporter did claim the Bavarians were ‘prepared to let him go’ for the right price.

Fichajes believes Spurs have edged ahead of Atletico Madrid after ‘requesting detailed information’ about Goretzka.

There is a feeling that the Lilywhites are keen to avoid a more intense battle in the summer, especially if other German clubs are allowed to enter the mix. Meanwhile, Milan have declared their interest, but would only pursue Goretzka once the season is over.

Bayern could yet extend his deal to ensure they receive a fee for his services in the off-season.

But for Spurs, there is a clear necessity to add quality in the middle of the park.

With Rodrigo Bentancur and Lucas Bergvall among those out for the long term, another top-class midfielder to come in ahead of the knockout stages of the Champions League could be just what the doctor ordered.

Goretzka’s future has not affected his football, with the Germany international still a regular for the Bundesliga leaders, but having not committed to Bayern as yet, perhaps the prospect of one more career adventure could entice him to take what would surely be an integral role 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.

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