Mohammed Kudus could make a sensational move across London by swapping West Ham United for Tottenham.
Thomas Frank has prioritised bringing in a proven Premier League forward to Spurs as Son Heung-min looks increasingly likely to leave North London.
Tottenham have been exploring big-money moves for Bryan Mbeumo and Antoine Semenyo, with Kudus emerging as the latest target in recent days.
Managerial changes at West Ham last year resulted in the Ghanaian struggling to replicate his excellent first season, opening the door for Tottenham to swoop in as news of talks emerges.
Tottenham open talks to sign Kudus
Kudus’ release clause is set at £85million, although according to The Standard (20 June), this is only active for the first 10 days of July.
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It has accelerated the Lilywhites’ approach, with the North London club now hastily discussing bringing Kudus to Tottenham, according to the Daily Mail, page 71 (20 June).
Spurs are hoping that the former Ajax forward’s disgruntlement last season and the allure of a return to the UEFA Champions League will be enough to tempt the talented player away from the London Stadium.
An initial bid of £50million is expected to be tabled, [The Guardian]. However, ex-Spurs scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes that a figure closer to £70m will be needed to secure Kudus’ signature.
“I don’t think £85m will be the final figure at the finish,” King said.
“I think it will be somewhere around the £70m mark, but it will be a considerable amount of money. However, if West Ham are going to lose a player of that quality, they need to replace him.
“West Ham should hold out for the £85m. If that deters Tottenham, I don’t know, but £50m is a bit of a derogatory offer if you ask me, because Levy knows what the release clause is.”
Kudus arguably the riskiest target so far for Tottenham
Kudus’s two years with West Ham have shown the best and worst of the 24-year-old.
The Hammers star has matched his unique dribbling abilities and skill with an eye for a spectacular goal, and has a knack for finding himself in the right area at the right time.
However, disciplinary issues, including punching Micky van de Ven last November, and general demeanour when things aren’t going well, could potentially harm Tottenham.
The Lilywhites will hope that Frank’s man management will see Kudus flourish at Hotspur Way and reach his high ceiling, but should be mindful of the playmaker’s low floor.