Tottenham Hotspur are determined to sign Santos left-back Souza after agreeing personal terms, Fabrizio Romano has exclusively revealed on GIVEMESPORT’s Market Madness podcast.
Thomas Frank’s side are believed to be nearing their first signing of the January transfer window, with club-to-club talks ongoing with Santos to finalise a move for the 19-year-old.
Spurs are anticipated to make a new bid for the talented left-back soon, but are unwilling to overspend on the defender, who is rated at around €35m (£30m) by the Brazilian club.
A new left-back is believed to be a priority for Frank this month, with Destiny Udogie sidelined by injury.
Tottenham Progressing on Souza Deal
Romano, speaking on the Market Madness podcast, revealed that Souza is keen on a move to north London, with talks now ongoing with Santos over a deal for the 19-year-old.
“It's a possibility. There are talks ongoing with the agents of the player. I'm told that the player is keen on the move. There was also interest from Italian clubs and Spanish clubs calling these agents.
“But now Totenham are on it. Tottenham are negotiating with the player, and also club-to-club with Santos. So that's a possibility.
“There is a conversation ongoing. Let's see about the price. Because Tottenham don't want to overpay. They want to make sure the deal makes sense for them from a financial point of view.
“It already makes sense from the technical point of view. Souza is a talented left back.
“So they are following and tracking the situation, talking to the agents. Let's see, club-to-club, what's going to happen, but on the player's side it is going quite well.”
Souza, who turns 20 in June, came through Santos’ youth ranks and made his top-flight debut in May last year.
The wide defender amassed 24 Brazilian Serie A appearances last season and, alongside team-mate Neymar, helped Santos avoid relegation to the second division.
Souza has been capped 12 times by Brazil’s U17 side, including five appearances at the U17 World Cup in November 2023, helping the team reach the quarter-finals.
Thomas Frank Needs a New Left-Back
While Spurs view Souza as a prospect for the future, they need help at left-back this season, with Udogie unavailable for much of the campaign.
The Italian defender has made only six starts for Tottenham this term, with Djed Spence deputising in his absence, while veteran Ben Davies started in the position for their 1-1 draw at Sunderland last weekend.
Davies, who scored his first goal for Spurs in over two years last weekend, is out of contract at the end of the season and made only his second appearance of the campaign against Sunderland.
Tottenham Exploring Forward Options
Romano also noted on Market Madness that Tottenham may look to sign a new forward this month if the ‘right opportunity’ arises.
Spurs were missing injured Mohammed Kudus, Dominic Solanke and Dejan Kulusevski in their 3-2 loss to Bournemouth on Wednesday, and also saw Lucas Bergvall taken off with a fresh setback.