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Today we present to you three of the biggest stories involving Tottenham to break in the past couple of days. Toby Aldweireld’s release clause has now passed, Malcom is in talks with a Bundesliga club and Spurs make a first offer for Paulo Dybala.
Alderweireld release clause passes
Report: Toby Alderweireld’s £25m release clause is no longer active with less than two weeks to go before the transfer window slams shut on August 8th. Any club would have been able to speak to the player had they matched the fee by July 25th, but they would now need to negotiate with Spurs in regards to a move.
Verdict: It is hard to know what to make of this from a Tottenham perspective. On the one hand, it makes it less likely that the former Southampton defender will depart this summer, and that should be a boost to Mauricio Pochettino. The Belgium international has been a stalwart for the Argentinian and has just played a big role as the Lilywhites reached the Champions League final. However, the 30-year-old has just one year left on his contract, and a new deal does not appear to be forthcoming. Daniel Levy and co are in danger of losing Alderweireld on a free transfer next summer.
How likely is the deal? N/A
Borussia Dortmund in Malcom talks
Report: Borussia Dortmund are in discussions to sign Barcelona’s Malcom, according to Goal.com. The 22-year-old had been viewed as an alternative to Giovani Lo Celso by Tottenham should they be unable to sign the Argentina international, but the Bundesliga runners-up have now moved ahead in the race for the Brazilian, who would reportedly cost €42m (£38m).
Verdict: With Malcom being mentioned as an alternative rather than a first-choice, this may not be too big a blow to Spurs’ transfer plans. A move to Dortmund would make little sense, though. Lucien Favre is already spoilt for choice in terms of attacking options and has already brought in Thorgan Hazard and Julian Brandt this summer in that area of the pitch. Tottenham also have an abundance of offensive talent, and he is not an upgrade on what is already on offer to Pochettino either – his contribution to Barcelona was significantly below Heung Min-Son’s and Lucas Moura’s to Tottenham last season – so that move would not appear to serve a purpose for the former Bordeaux youngster.
How likely is the deal? 4/10
Tottenham make Dybala bid
Report: According to La Stampa, Tottenham have made a first official bid for Juventus’ Paulo Dybala. The bid is reportedly €50m (£44.8m), but the Serie A champions are looking for a “shock offer” for the former Palermo man. The 25-year-old is currently on holiday following his Copa America exploits.
Verdict: Signing Dybala would be a huge statement of intent by Tottenham. The Argentina international is one of the most recognisable players on the planet and, whilst he may not have had his best season last time out, a WhoScored rating of 7.08 in Serie A put him in the top 40 performers in Italy’s top division. At his best, he is a constant threat in front of goal: in 2017/18, he netted 26 times for the Bianconeri. His credentials, therefore, cannot be questioned, but that still doesn’t mean a deal is likely. He is a huge asset to Juve and €90m (£80.7m) would be a massive increase on Tottenham’s club-record transfer of Tanguy Ndombele that was only completed this summer. The two clubs will need to advance in their negotiations quickly to get this one over the line.
How likely is the deal? 5.5/10
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