The transfer window has not opened yet, but Tottenham Hotspur are already looking to get business done early on.
Rumours have been flying around recently regarding Europa League final hero Brennan Johnson, who seems like he could be set to depart the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this winter.
A recent report from David Ornstein suggests that the Lilywhites have agreed a deal with Crystal Palace for the transfer of the winger.
The esteemed journalist said the two London rivals have agreed a £35m deal for the Welshman, which could set into motion a flurry of incomings in North London.
Already, they have been linked with a new winter addition.
Spurs target new attacking star
With money for Johnson potentially coming into the club, it certainly seems as though Thomas Frank will have room to upgrade his attack. It seems like a deal for Antoine Semenyo is now completely off the table.
But, Spurs may yet recruit from within the Premier League. According to a report from the Mail, the Lilywhites are one of the sides thought to be ‘admirers’ of Manchester City attacker Oscar Bobb, who could be on the move this winter.
However, this will not be a straightforward deal for Frank’s side to complete. Spurs are set to be rivalled by another London rival, Fulham and Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund, for his signature.
Newcastle United, who have also been linked with a move for Bobb this winter, were quoted a fee of £20m, so it is safe to assume Spurs would have to pay a similar fee.
Why Bobb would be a good signing
Although Bobb’s career has certainly had its ups and downs, there is no doubting his talent. He’s struggled with injuries and getting into the City team ahead of the likes of Phil Foden, but at his best, he is “one of the best wingers in football,” according to BBC Sport analyst Umir Irfan.
This term has not been easy for the 22-year-old. Bobb has only played 15 times across all competitions, racking up 739 minutes in that time.
He has managed to get an assist, though, in the first game of the season, in which City beat Wolves 4-0.
Don’t let the fact that the Norwegian international has played so little this term fool you. It is worth remembering that he is competing with Foden and Rayan Cherki for a spot in the side. However, he oozes technical class, as this goal away to Newcastle a few years ago shows.
In the summer, Spurs were close to signing Eberechi Eze before he moved to arch-rivals Arsenal. Well, now they are in for Bobb, it is certainly a deal that has a similar feeling.
Frank clearly wants a more technical player, able to play out wide or in the pockets, to add to his attack.
Eze has done well for the Gunners, so it might sting Spurs fans, given they missed out on him. The England international has five goals and four assists in 24 games.
That included a hat-trick in the North London Derby
Interestingly, the pair are deemed to be statistically similar players in the Premier League, according to FBref, with the numbers showing why the signings are alike.
For example, the City star 1.92 key passes and 3.27 progressive carries per 90 minutes compared to Eze’s 0.73 key passes and 2.18 progressive carries each game.
It is clear to see that Frank wants a player of this profile in his squad. A versatile attacker who can play outside or in the middle, thriving when dribbling in small spaces and creating chances in the final third.
Bobb certainly ticks those boxes, and can offer an exciting new dimension to the Spurs squad that can help take them to the next level.