Tottenham Hotspur have received some good news from Germany as they set their sights on a 19-year-old Bundesliga winger.
Spurs have looked desperately short of quality in the attacking areas this season, and the situation has been worsened by the injuries the club have had.
One would expect strengthening the forward line to be a priority in the summer for Tottenham, who are reportedly ready to flex their financial muscle in the upcoming transfer window after a quiet January.
Spurs have been credited with a significant interest in a German U21 international, but there have been contradictory reports about the youngster’s future over the last few days.
Brighton make advances to beat Tottenham to Said El Mala
The player in question is FC Koln’s Said El Mala, who was linked with a move to Tottenham during the January window.
A new report in Bild, Brighton have stolen a march on Spurs in the transfer race and are looking to wrap up a deal for the winger, who has scored nine times and provided four assists in 26 Bundesliga fixtures this term.
The report says that the Seagulls had an offer of €30m (£26m) for El Mala turned down by Koln in January, and they are now ready to increase their bid to €35m (£30.4m) plus bonuses.
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It is alleged that Fabian Hurzeler’s men are looking to ‘finalise a deal quickly’ for the winger as we approach the summer window.
Spurs could be in a three-horse race for El Mala
However, the above information has been dismissed by the regional newspaper Kolnische Rundschau, which says that Koln have denied receiving any proposal from Brighton for their young starlet.
Furthermore, the Bundesliga club have made it clear that €35m will not be enough to prise away El Mala, who is currently valued at €40m (£34.7m), but could see his value rise further if he is called up to the Germany squad for the World Cup.