Tottenham step up interest in ‘transferrable’ Barcelona midfielder considered Hojbjerg upgrade
Tottenham have reportedly stepped up their interest in landing a Barcelona midfielder as a potential replacement for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg this summer.
Franck Kessie is the player in question, with the Ivory Coast international one of a number of names who have dubbed ‘transferrable’ by the Catalan giants as Xavi looks to freshen up his squad.
The 26-year-old arrived at the Nou Camp in a free transfer last summer but is already being tipped for an exit as Barca face a race against time to balance their books.
And now, according to transfer insider Rudy Galetti, Spurs have Kessie listed as one of the potential replacements for Hojbjerg, who is reportedly on the verge of a move to Atletico Madrid.
It’s not the first time the north London club have been linked with Kessie, having been tipped to swoop for the former AC Milan star during his time at the San Siro.
And despite the fact the Ivorian produced some impressive performances in Barca’s LaLiga and Super Cup success, he is still deemed surplus to requirements.
Kessie certainly fits the bill in terms of what new Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou wants from his midfield engine room, given his dynamism and work rate. And at 26 he still has his best years ahead of him.
However, Spurs are not the only club keen on Kessie’s signature, with Juventus also making a move of their own.
Juve put Kessie offer on the table
Reports from Italy claim that the Turin giants have offered an initial fee €10million plus another €5m in add-ons.
Kessie still has three years left on his contract and has previously stated that he is willing to stay and fight for his place under Xavi.
However, Barca need to get their finances in order and if they can fetch a reasonable fee for the combative midfielder then the feeling is they will sanction a switch.
From Tottenham’s point of view, it’s now just a matter of waiting and seeing what happens with Hojbjerg.
The Dane was actually named in the starting XI for Sunday’s pre-season clash with Leicester before the game in Thailand was cancelled due to a waterlogged pitch.
He is once again expected to be involved when Postecoglou’s men face Lion City Sailors in Singapore on Wednesday.
