Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United have expressed interest in Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Lucas Bergvall.
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Nottingham Forest are reportedly leading the race to sign Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Lucas Bergvall.
Newcastle United expressed interest last week and made a verbal offer worth around £46million. This was dismissed - with Spurs holding out for £50million despite paying £8million two years ago.
It is understood that Bergvall wants to leave to pursue regular first-team football. He started just 11 Premier League games last season - failing to complete a full 90 minutes despite Spurs’ struggles.
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Nottingham Forest nudge ahead
Forest are thought to be ahead of Newcastle, with the player recognising his increased game-time opportunities at the City Ground. The Tricky Trees have funds available after selling former Toon midfielder £116million to Manchester City.
Newcastle’s interest in Bergvall predates his time at Tottenham. However, it is unclear whether they will return with a concrete bid due to his price tag.
As reported by The Gazette, the Magpies are closing in on Monaco star Aladji Bamba. While not the same profile as Bergvall, he arrives alongside Sean Steur, negating the need to bolster the engine room.
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Newcastle United’s fresh priority
Elsewhere, the Magpies have also prioritised a full-back who can operate on both sides. After losing Kieran Trippier, Emil Krafth and Matt Targett, Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento remain the only first-team options.
Full-back is an area Newcastle have identified since the winter window. They have targets - but the transfer cards are being kept close to their chest at St James’ Park.
The internal feeling is that, when a target is leaked publicly and the saga drags on, the chances of finalising the deal diminish. Newcastle can sense when they are being played - Victor Munoz and Johan Manzambi were examples of that.
Patience is being urged as Toon officials work tirelessly to give Eddie Howe the tools for a successful season. Fans can watch the Magpies for the first time in pre-season when they face Gateshead this weekend.