Tottenham are ready to make a move to hijack Newcastle United's move to sign Abde Ezzalzouli this summer, according to Sport.
Spurs are looking to bolster their squad in the upcoming window having narrowly avoided relegation on the final day of the season thanks to a 1-0 win over Everton, with Roberto De Zerbi's arrivcal with seven games remaining sparking a decent spell of form.
But the Italian is now pushing to strengthen his squad ahead of the new season, and a new forward is understood to be among the priorities in the transfer window.
Ezzalzouli, who has been described as a 'superstar', has been strongly linked with a move to Newcastle United as the Magpies look to replace Anthony Gordon, who has joined Barcelona in a deal worth around £70m.
But it's now understood that Tottenham Hotspur have also made contact with Real Betis about a move for the Morocco international, with the La Liga club needing to raise funds before June 30th despite reaching the Champions League.
Ezzalzouli is set to star for Morocco at the World Cup, and Betis are hopeful that could help to raise his value. But his release clause is currently set at €60m (£52m), and it's understood that is appealing to several clubs.
The 24-year-old starred for Betis this season, registering 14 goals and nine assists in all competitions, and it's reported that Spurs have initiated contact about a potential deal to bring him to north London, ahead of Newcastle, who have made him a top target to replace Anthony Gordon following his move to Barcelona.
Manuel Pellegrini is hopeful of keeping hold of the 24-year-old for next season, but with the club's need to raise funds, an exit now looks inevitable.
Tottenham Ready to Go Big
Tottenham are well aware that they need to make big improvements to their squad this summer, and as a result, they know they need signings.
Roberto De Zerbi has already brought in Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi to bolster his defence, but the attack grossly underperformed this season and new options are needed, which has led to interest in Ezzalzouli, who would be a major upgrade on current options.
He has the quality to add more dynamism to the squad, and has shown he has an eye for goals and assists, and under De Zerbi, he could potentially reach a new level, which makes him a very exciting signing.