Tottenham Hotspur have set their sights on one of the most exciting attackers in La Liga, but they face competition from two of their Premier League rivals for the player.
The injuries to the likes of Wilson Odobert, Mohammed Kudus and Xavi Simons meant that Roberto De Zerbi was forced to use Mathys Tel and Randal Kolo Muani as his wide options during Tottenham’s final run-in.
Having failed to sign a replacement for Brennan Johnson in January, one would thus expect signing a top-class winger or two to be at the top of the Lilywhites’ priorities this summer.
It has emerged that De Zerbi’s men have set their sights on a winger who scored 15 goals and 13 assists from 43 matches in Spain last season.
Tottenham battling Aston Villa and Newcastle for Abde Ezzalzouli
According to a report in Sport (as relayed by Sport Witness), Tottenham have been impressed with the displays of Real Betis’ Abde Ezzalzouli this season and have asked about his availability.
Aston Villa have also enquired about the 24-year-old, but the club with the most concrete interest in the player is Newcastle United.
It is revealed that the Magpies view Ezzalzouli as a potential replacement for Anthony Gordon, who is bound for Barcelona, and that the player would find it difficult to turn down a move to St James’ Park.
In fact, it is revealed that Eddie Howe’s men have made ‘fresh contact in recent hours’ regarding the Betis winger, with the club looking to complete the operation early so that they are not dragged into a bidding war.
What is Real Betis’ stance on Ezzalzouli?
Sport say that Betis have to balance their books before June 30 to ensure they do not fall foul of the financial rules.
They are expected to do this through player sales, which is why a big offer for Ezzalzouli from the Premier League may be tempting.
However, the update also explains that the former Barca winger’s market value could be boosted significantly if he impresses for Morocco at the World Cup, which may give Betis enough reason to wait.