This transfer window has been completely different to last summer for Tottenham fans. Following the departure of Gareth Bale the club scrambled to bring in replacements, spending over £100 million on players such as Erik Lamela and Roberto Soldado – transfers that were, for the most part, unsuccessful last year.
However, this season new boss Mauricio Pochettino has quietly gone about the business of bringing in Ben Davies, Michel Vorm and Eric Dier for less than £10 million. That isn’t to say though that their business is done. They recently bid for Morgan Schneiderlin of Southampton, but were rebuffed by the club’s chairman.
While negotiations for those players continue, Pochettino has set about looking at other targets. One of that jumped to the top of the list is Marseille’s Florian Thauvin. The Express reports that Tottenham have made contact with the French side about a possible transfer of the 21-year-old.
Reports in France suggest that both Spurs and Atletico Madrid have approached Marseille about the prospect of signing Thauvin this summer.
Marseille president Vincent Labrune though is desperate to keep hold of his player, saying:
“He is one of the greatest talents of his generation.
“OM have great hopes for him. I hope this year will be Thauvin’s year.”
Despite the reluctance of Marseille to sell one of their star players, a big bid from Tottenham could push the French side to sell. There is also the possibility of the player himself forcing through a move if he wants to move to White Hart Lane. Last year he effectively went on strike at Lille in order to secure a move away from the club.
Thauvin is seen by many to be one of the most talented young players currently playing in Europe. He was named in The Guardian’s top 10 European youngsters thanks to his impressive ball control, energy and pace. He also has an eye for goal, scoring 11 goals last season for Marseille in just 26 games.
The 21-year-old also has international experience. In 2013 he was a key part of the France side that won the Under-20 World Cup.
The bid from Tottenham could set off a flurry of other offers. Atletico Madrid, Arsenal and Chelsea have all reportedly shown interest in the attacking midfielder in the past and will no doubt be monitoring proceedings.
Let’s take a look at Thauvin in a action. Tottenham fans: a first XI player?
