Tottenham Hotspur are plotting a move for a young Saints academy graduate, but it is Manchester United who are currently in the driving seat to land the player.
It has been reported over recent days that Tottenham’s recruitment department will prioritise adding experience to their squad this summer, but that does not mean they are expected to abandon their policy of signing up-and-coming, young starlets.
It was previously reported last year that Southampton academy centre-back Harley Emsden-James is on Spurs’ radar.
The Lilywhites are now reigniting their interest in the 16-year-old, but they have now fallen behind in the race for the teenager’s signature.
Man United hoping to beat Tottenham to Harley Emsden-James
The Daily Mail have now confirmed that the Southampton youngster is indeed on Tottenham Hotspur’s radar, and he is also wanted by their London rivals, Arsenal and Chelsea.
However, it is Man United who have moved to the front of the queue to land Emsden-James, who could arrive at Old Trafford for a compensation of just £1m this summer.
The highly-rated centre-back, who featured twice for Southampton Under-18s this season, is expected to leave St Mary’s before the start of the new season.
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The outlet adds that Ruben Amorim’s men are hoping that they have already won the race for Emsden-James, even though several of their rivals are also eyeing the youngster.
Why Tottenham should not abandon their transfer policy
A lot of Spurs fans want the club to change their transfer strategy and sign experienced performers this summer rather than just talented and raw youngsters.
That is something that the Tottenham head coach also feels, with Postecoglou making it clear that Spurs need players who are proven at the highest level.
However, that does not mean Spurs should abandon their policy of signing young starlets and giving them a platform to fulfil their potential.