Tottenham set for transfer deadline-day battle with Newcastle for 20-year-old star
Tottenham and Newcastle are reportedly set for a late transfer window battle for PSV Eindhoven winger Johan Bakayoko. The Premier League duo are apparently eyeing a move for the winger that could come down to Friday’s transfer deadline.
Bakayoko has caught the attention of some of Europe’s biggest clubs with his performances in Holland. The 20-year-old scored nine goals and provided six assists in all competitions last season.
He already has four assists this term, with each coming in just three Champions League qualifying matches. Spurs and Newcastle are reportedly interested in striking a deal with PSV over the next week.
It is claimed that both clubs have a ‘genuine interest’ in the Belgium international. Burnley have already been unsuccessful with a £17million offer earlier this summer.
According to journalist Alan Nixon, Spurs and Newcastle will battle for the youngster’s signature this week. Both clubs are hopeful of beating off the competition to add depth to their attacking departments.
A left-footed winger who cuts inside from the right, Bakayoko has excelled since the departure of Noni Madueke to Chelsea. He arrived from Anderlecht in 2019 and initially impressed in PSV’s academy teams.
Spurs and Newcastle would both benefit from additions in the forward areas. On Spurs’ right, Dejan Kulusevski has little competition.
Miguel Almiron plays in the role for Newcastle. Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes can both play in the position but seem to be competing for the left-hand side. Eddie Howe might not have much more money to spend after a £120m summer outlay, exclusive of the £30m they will pay for loanee Lewis Hall next summer.
Meanwhile, Ange Postecoglou has not ruled out activity at Spurs in the final weeks of the window. A replacement for Harry Kane could be sought, while Bakayoko is seemingly a target.
Asked if a lack of outgoings could stifle Spurs’ business, Postecoglou said: “Not necessarily. These kind of things are pretty fluid, they can happen pretty quickly.
“At the moment you can see by doing the maths we have got too many players in terms of when we submit our final list, there will be guys here who won’t be on that list if nothing changes so I am pretty sure that will change. From now until the end of the window I am sure there will be some movement.”