Tottenham Hotspur have just learned that they face competition from Everton for one of their top midfield targets as the Toffees eye a statement signing.
We have seen a number of free agents being linked with a move to Spurs and that is perhaps down to the fact that Tottenham are not in a strong financial position heading into the summer.
One of those is Angel Gomes, who is set to leave Lille on a free transfer when his contract runs out next month, and unsurprisingly, a number of clubs are thought to be ready to jump at the chance to secure his services.
It has been widely reported over recent weeks that Tottenham are leading the race for Gomes, and some sources have indicated that Spurs are confident of winning the race for the Lille man.
Everton set to challenge Tottenham in the race for Angel Gomes
However, Spurs will not have a free run at the midfielder, with some outlets claiming over recent weeks that Man United are also plotting a move for Gomes.
Mick Brown, who previously served as chief scout at Man United and Blackburn Rovers, and remains well connected with those who work in the game, has now revealed that another Premier League side are taking a close look at the Lille man.
He claimed that Everton have identified Gomes as the ideal option to add some control to their midfield, but he expressed scepticism on whether the 24-year-old would be a good fit for David Moyes’s side.
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Brown told Football Insider: “I hear Everton have been looking at Angel Gomes. They haven’t got many technical players in that squad, and Gomes is certainly one of those, he’s a good passer of the ball and helps to keep possession ticking.
“Whenever he plays, he shows what he is capable of doing and teams have been impressed by that. There are a few who have been watching him not just in England but in Europe too.
“Everton lack that type of player, so there’s a clear role for him and they would be able to offer him more regular first-team football than he may get elsewhere. But they have a few doubts about him. The way they play at the moment, does he fit in with that? Probably not.
“So as much as he would bring that extra technical security to the team, his lack of physicality is going to be an issue for a team like Everton. He’s a very pure footballer, and away from football I hear he’s a good lad, so you want to see him do well. But I think maybe he would be better suited somewhere other than Everton.”
Why Spurs are well placed to land Gomes this summer
Tottenham’s finances have been boosted significantly as a result of their Europa League victory, which brings with it a direct passage to the group stages of the Champions League.
Apart from giving the club resources to compete for top players this summer, it has also made Spurs a far more attractive proposition for their transfer targets.