Despite the optimism around completing a deal, Tottenham Hotspur are now struggling to make progress in a move to sign Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United.
Mohammed Kudus’ move to Tottenham has stalled and both Spurs and West Ham are refusing to budge on their valuations of the attacker.
Having welcomed a host of players back for pre-season, Thomas Frank might be keen for Tottenham to make one or two quality additions before the campaign begins, even if he does already have a lot of talent to work with.
And by most accounts Mohammed Kudus is keen to play for Frank in N17, presumably coming in as the Dane’s starting right winger.
However, if a deal can’t be agreed with West Ham, then perhaps Daniel Levy might switch his attention to another attacking talent in the Premier League.
Tottenham target James McAtee now available for bargain price
Not so long ago, Tottenham were considering a bid for James McAtee, a Manchester City midfielder who’s just shone for England at the U21 Championships.
James McAtee often wore the armband for Lee Carsley at the tournament, and it’s clear that the 22-year-old is playing a role that doesn’t quite befit his talent at Man City.
Pep Guardiola has hailed McAtee as a ‘special’ talent recently, but that hasn’t necessarily translated into first team opportunities.
And as a move for Kudus now stalls, perhaps Fabrizio Romano’s latest McAtee update could make intriguing reading for the likes of Johan Lange in north London.
Sharing his update on X, Romano said that McAtee might be available for as little as £20m.
He said: “James McAtee can leave Manchester City this summer for fee around £20/25m.
“Bundesliga, Premier League and Serie A clubs are showing interest in Euro U21 winner with England as captain.
“Atalanta are among clubs well informed on his situation.”
James McAtee could help Dejan Kulusevski thrive at Spurs
The Swede played as both a number 10 and as right winger throughout the campaign.
But if Tottenham were to ultimately opt for McAtee instead of Kudus, who is best in a central role, perhaps that could free Kulusevski up to thrive out wide under Frank.
The 25-year-old has a somewhat similar profile to Bryan Mbeumo in terms of the way he likes to cut inside onto his left foot, and he needs to be as high up the pitch as possible in Frank’s team.