Tottenham Hotspur chair Daniel Levy has held direct talks with another Premier League club in a bid to sign a 'world-class' star, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed - with West Ham United midfielder Mohammed Kudus in their sights, although a deal isn't close to completion just yet.
Spurs' qualification for the Champions League, after winning the Europa League, gave them a huge lifeline for next season having finished 17th in the top-flight - and new boss Thomas Frank will want to pad his squad out ahead of a European campaign.
Sources: Tottenham Hold 'Direct Talks' for Mohammed Kudus
The West Ham star may be on his way out of the club this summer
GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed that club chiefs at both clubs - namely Levy of Tottenham, and David Sullivan of West Ham - have been in direct contact over the potential switch of Kudus, who was bought and starred under David Moyes two years ago.
Spurs are now wary that they aren't the only club looking at the Ghanaian star, and so they believe that it is important to move early for his talents if they are to have any chance of winning the race for his signature.
Kudus boasts a reported £85million Premier League release clause in his contract, but that is considered to be somewhat irrelevant in the context of a move from east to north London. No club in the top-flight believes that he is worth that amount of money.
Kudus is seeking a move, and insiders have suggested that West Ham may loosen their grip and sell the Ghana star for less. Tottenham, on the other hand, have been in contact with the Hammers for a little while, and have started negotiations at £50million as they look to get a deal over the line for the former Ajax star.
GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Mohammed Kudus has 12 goals in 42 caps for West Ham.
However, West Ham insist that any bid is a long way from an acceptable level, and they will have to meet in the middle before Tottenham are able to land their man. Kudus enjoyed a fruitful first campaign in the capital, notching 28 goal contributions in just 48 games in all competitions to mark himself as one of the rising stars in the Premier League - but he did struggle last season, grabbing just nine goals and assists, including a red card against Tottenham back in October.
Statistics courtesy of WhoScored. Correct as of 01-07-26.