Pundit reckons Champions League factor complicates Tottenham Hotspur’s chase for PL talent

Hutton believes Jacob Ramsey could snub a move to Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with a move for Aston Villa attacking midfielder Jacob Ramsey, and former Spurs defender Alan Hutton thinks the Englishman could snub a move to White Hart Lane even if the clubs manage to agree a fee for his services.

Ange Postecoglou is looking to add to his midfield in the ongoing summer transfer window, especially considering the probable departures of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Giovani Lo Celso. Reports suggest that Daniel Levy & Co. would be looking to explore a potential cash-plus-swap deal for the 22-year-old this summer.

While the Villans are understood to be reluctant to let Ramsey depart. Any potential sale of the 22-year-old would be a pure profit scenario for his current employers and would therefore help Unai Emery balance his books before going into the new season.

A Champions League-sized obstacle

Hutton is not convinced that the club would be willing to shed a £50 million fee for the player and also suggests that a move to Tottenham would be a step backwards for Ramsey, with Villa playing in the Champions League in the next campaign.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Tottenham News, Hutton said:’

“I think Villa will ask for about £50million if I’m honest. He’s a top talent, he’s come through the youth ranks, they won’t want to sell him but they will know it is all profit.

“The way the market is at this moment in time that’s probably around about the number they’ll be looking for. Will Spurs be willing to pay that? I’m not so sure.

“He’s so young, he’s got so much potential and he’s not hit his ceiling yet by any means so I think for him to go there, will he see that as a step up, the same level or a step backwards?

“It’s one of those where you look at Villa who are in the Champions League at this moment in time, they’re building for the future with experienced players and young players.

“They’re trying to do something, is that not what you want to be part of? I would, but it just comes down to the financial aspect, are Villa willing and ready to cash in and let that prospect go?

“We’ll have to wait and see.”

Those are some tough words, and any Spurs faithful will be quick to point out the obvious about how Tottenham are a bigger club than Villa; however, missing out on the Champions League means it becomes a factor in the outcome of the window.

However, the club does boast a strong financial balance, which Levy could flex to land Ramsey, and neither Villa nor the player would stand in his way if Levy came down to it.

We will see how the summer transfer window unfolds as the club continues to fortify their interest in bringing Ramsey to White Hart Lane.