Tottenham Hotspur have discovered that Orkun Kokcu is open to entering discussions over a move to Hotspur Way after the Benfica star has been added to the north Londoners' list of summer targets by head coach Thomas Frank and members of the recruitment department, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.
Although Spurs have remained in conversations to sign Mohammed Kudus despite West Ham United rejecting an initial £50million offer, there is an appetite to secure additional fresh faces as they aim to build on adding to the trophy cabinet thanks to winning the Europa League in May.
Heung-min Son is poised to assess his future in the coming days, having been the subject of interest from Major League Soccer outfit Los Angeles FC, and Frank is eager to make his mark by remaining active in the transfer market after being appointed as Ange Postecoglou's successor in the hot-seat.
Kokcu Interested in Exploring Switch to Spurs
Midfielder keen to gauge how serious north Londoners are in pursuit
Kokcu wants to hold talks over a potential move to Tottenham, according to GMS sources, after deciding that he is open to embarking on a fresh challenge in the Premier League if he is given the green light to walk away from Portuguese heavyweights Benfica before the summer window slams shut on September 1.
The Primeira Liga giants have decided that they will entertain bids in the region of £35million for the central midfielder, despite him being one of the first names on the team sheet, and that has resulted in Spurs and other interested parties being put on red alert as they seek to upgrade their respective squads.
GMS sources have been informed that Kokcu, who enjoyed a productive 2024/25 campaign in his current surroundings, is keen to quickly discover how serious Tottenham are about luring him away from Benfica after he has shown a desire to test himself in the English top flight for the first time in his career.
The Turkey international, who has been described as 'elite' thanks to his consistent performances, has left the door ajar for admirers and new Spurs boss Frank is tempted to pounce as he prepares his side for a season which will include a return to Champions League action.
Tottenham have pinpointed Kokcu as a fresh potential acquisition after taking note of his availability since missing out on earlier summer targets, GMS sources have learned, and he is refusing to rule out the possibility of heading to north London if they attempt to wrap up a deal following continued negotiations for Kudus.
GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Orkun Kokcu created three big chances and registered two assists at the Club World Cup
Frank Facing Stiff Competition for Kokcu Deal
Domestic counterparts and Italian giants eyeing 24-year-old
GMS sources have been told that Tottenham are facing stiff competition for Kokcu's signature as reigning Premier League champions Liverpool scouted him in the second half of the 2024/25 campaign, leading to there being a desire to gauge their level of interest before making a final decision on his future.
The 24-year-old has previously described Reds chief Arne Slot as 'the best coach in the world', having enjoyed a successful spell under him at Feyenoord, and his existing relationship with the Dutch tactician is threatening to complicate matters for Frank as he considers luring him to Spurs.
Inter Milan have also touched base with Kokcu and his representatives in a bid to decipher whether he is interested in relocating to Serie A, GMS sources understand, while domestic rivals AC Milan and Roma have been linked as additional admirers as he contemplates heading through the Benfica exit door.
GMS sources recently revealed that Tottenham are prepared to sell Yves Bissouma, which would leave a void in the middle of the park, and Frank is mulling over whether to look towards Portugal for a more attack-minded replacement as he prepares for his first campaign at the capital club's helm.
All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 08/07/2025