Tottenham always stated they weren’t expecting to sell too many of their players this summer, as the transfer window was all about strengthening.
However, there were always going to be some players who couldn’t force their way into Mauricio Pochettino’s plans.
Nabil Bentaleb is one such midfielder, as ongoing contract disputes and a falling out with Pochettino saw him put up for sale.
Perhaps, though, Spurs aren’t expecting a fire-sale because they are making crazy demands when it comes to transfer fees.
The Independent report that chairman Daniel Levy is demanding £10million for Bentaleb, while the club also want a stunning £9million for Alex Pritchard.
Levy is famous for getting his way in negotiations, but even he may have to relent a little here.
Bentaleb made just two league starts last season, failing to live up to the promise he showed under Pochettino’s predecessor Tim Sherwood.
Followers of the Algerian in that time will remember that he looked like a promising young talent who could blossom into one of the best central midfielders in the country, so maybe there is some justification in his price tag.
Asking for £9million to offload Pritchard, on the other hand, is nothing short of ridiculous. The Englishman has played twice for Spurs in his entire career and has been loaned out four times.
The 23-year-old is only really attracting interest from the Championship, and few clubs at that level are willing to front up that kind of money.
Defender Federico Fazio is also unwanted, but again, no-one is willing to take a chance on him unless Spurs reduce their price of around £8million.
Levy’s talents undoubtedly lie in bringing players in, but when it comes to the handling of his exiles, he may have to have a serious rethink.
Both Bentaleb and Pritchard have potentially bright futures ahead of them, but they are not going to fulfil them unless Spurs start to get real about how big a fee they can make from them.
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bazza
Jul 27, 2016 at 8:34 pm
whereas I agree with the items comments, unfortunately the present climate for transfer fees especially among English clubs is what it is. Levy is not asking for the world, his price tags are the going rate. Is Poga worth ninety odd million? NO!Is Allen worth thirteen million? NO!!Is Tevez though a freebie worth two hundred thousand a week? NO!Clubs like United, Chelsea and City started these inflated prices years ago, now any club with ambition has to pay the piper. Levy is in the same boat when he goes after a player, pay the price or look elsewhere, consequently he has to balance the books so hence his own asking prices. Football is no longer the working mans sport, it is now big business love it or hate it!!!!!!!!