Tottenham Hotspur are monitoring a familiar face from Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic days, with growing interest in Japan international Daizen Maeda as his future hangs in the balance.
It is shaping up to be a busy summer window for Tottenham Hotspur, who are expected to kick things off by completing their £21 million obligation to sign Kevin Danso on a permanent basis.
The deal, which was part of his initial agreement, will be confirmed early in the transfer window, barring any last-minute changes.
Elsewhere, Spurs still need to make a call on the future of Mathys Tel, who joined on loan from Bayern Munich in January.
The young forward has shown flashes of quality, but questions remain over whether his development is best served by staying in North London.
Tottenham do have a £45 million option to buy included in Tel’s current deal, but at the moment, there is a level of hesitation from Spurs as they weigh up whether or not to trigger the clause in Tel’s deal.
Tottenham eye Celtic’s Daizen Maeda as attacking options assessed
As Tottenham continue to deliberate over their summer plans, TBR Football are now reporting that Spurs have identified a potential forward target in Daizen Maeda – a player Ange Postecoglou knows well from his time at Celtic.
According to the outlet, Tottenham Hotspur are one of several Premier League clubs that have been keeping tabs on the Japanese international this year, and it is said that Maeda has caught the eye with his performances.
The 27-year-old, primarily a left-winger but also capable of playing through the middle, is starting to generate serious interest from clubs in the Premier League, and Tottenham are firmly in the mix.
Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea join Spurs in race for Daizen Maeda
While Tottenham Hotspur appear keen, reports also state that Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea have all watched Daizen Maeda closely, suggesting there will be stiff competition for his signature.
Maeda has had an impressive campaign, and notably, four of his goals this season have come in the Champions League – including one against Bayern Munich in Celtic’s narrow defeat at the knockout stage.
In addition to the top-tier clubs mentioned, the likes of Aston Villa, Brentford, Fulham, Crystal Palace, West Ham United and newly-promoted Leeds United are also said to be monitoring the forward.
It is understood that Maeda could be available for around £25 million this summer. The player himself has admitted that he is uncertain about what the future holds, and given the growing interest from England, it is difficult to imagine that the winger will not be tempted by a move to the Premier League.