Tottenham offered chance to sign another Brazilian rising star with Souza by agents
Tottenham’s January transfer window has intensified following the disappointing news surrounding their pursuit of Santos left-back Souza.
Thomas Frank’s side made an initial approach worth around £8.5 million for the Brazilian, but Santos swiftly rejected the proposal, reportedly demanding around double that figure to part with one of their prized academy graduates.
The north London club have not been deterred by the setback, though.
Media sources confirm Tottenham are continuing talks with Santos and have been trying hard to force a breakthrough on the deal over the past week.
The teenager represents exactly the profile Frank wants to strengthen the left side of defense, offering both defensive solidity and the attacking thrust necessary to complement Spurs’ system.
Chelsea, through their BlueCo ownership, Manchester City via City Group, and Newcastle United are also rumoured to be showing varying degrees of interest in Souza too.
Each organisation is monitoring the situation closely and potentially prepared to match Tottenham if negotiations drag on much longer.
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That being said, reports this afternoon state that Spurs are awaiting an answer to their second bid for Souza, which is worth around £13 million this time.
The 19-year-old is also keen to join Frank’s side, giving the Dane further encouragement that a deal is indeed possible.
Frank faces mounting pressure to add defensive reinforcements quickly.
Destiny Udogie’s hamstring injury has exposed the squad’s lack of depth at left-back, forcing the manager to rely on veteran Ben Davies and converted right-back Djed Spence to cover the position.
With Spurs languishing in mid-table after 20 Premier League matches, the Lilywhites need inspiration from somewhere, and Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge says they’re also prioritising a forward.
They’re expected to be pretty busy when it comes to recruitment over the next few weeks, and journalist Graeme Bailey reports that they’ve now been offered the chance to sign another Brazilian rising star.
Tottenham offered Roma star Wesley Franca amid Souza talks
According to Bailey and TEAMtalk, Tottenham and Man City have now been alerted to Wesley as an alternative possibility for January.
The two Premier League clubs have been presented with an opportunity to seal a move for the Brazil international who has lit up Serie A since his arrival from Flamengo last summer.
It is believed that intermediaries have told his English suitors, including Spurs and City, that a deal could be possible should they show any desire to sign the 22-year-old this month.
Wesley joined Roma from Flamengo for around £22 million and has impressed manager Gian Piero Gasperini with his attacking output from the wing-back positions.
He operates comfortably on both flanks and possesses exactly the kind of versatility that appeals to modern Premier League managers.
Wesley combines pace, confidence on the ball and an ability to push high up the pitch, making him ideally suited to the demands of English football.
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His performances for Roma have seen him force his way into the Brazil national team setup, earning three senior caps since joining Gasperini’s side as he pushes for a place in Carlo Ancelotti’s star-studded World Cup squad.
Roma remain extremely satisfied with Wesley’s contributions and have no pressing need to sell. However, Bailey suggests that Gasperini’s desire to strengthen other areas of the squad, particularly in attack, could potentially open the door to an unexpected departure.
The Italian giants would only consider offers that meet their valuation, which may need to be substantial given Wesley’s importance to Roma.
Everton have also been watching Wesley closely through their sister club relationship with Roma under the Friedkin Group ownership. The Toffees would struggle to match Tottenham and City from a financial perspective, though, making them outsiders in any potential bidding war.
For Tottenham, Wesley represents an intriguing alternative to Souza.
His Serie A experience means he has already proven himself in one of Europe’s tougher leagues, removing some of the risk associated with signing directly from South America.
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