Transfer Gossip: Tottenham offer Sevilla four stars as they gazump Chelsea for huge Jules Kounde deal; Van der Sar role in Lisandro Martinez transfer to Man Utd revealed

Tottenham are reportedly at the front of the queue to sign Jules Kounde with four stars on offer in a blockbuster swap, Leeds United’s top two targets have been named, while Thursday’s Transfer Gossip has revealed Edwin van der Sar’s role in Lisandro Martinez’s move to Man Utd.

SPURS READY JULES KOUNDE TRANSFER PLAN

Tottenham are reportedly set to gazump Chelsea for Jules Kounde after reportedly making contact over his signing.

Antonio Conte’s side have been impressive in the transfer market so far with five quality signings arriving. Indeed, Richarlison, Clement Lenglet, Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster and Yves Bissouma all seriously strengthen their squad. As such, Jurgen Klopp has explained why he thinks Spurs will have a big say in the Premier League title race.

However, it seems Conte and director Fabio Paratici are not stopping just yet. Now, as per the Daily Mirror, they are plotting a huge move for Sevilla defender Jules Kounde.

The defender has a huge £76m release clause in his Sevilla contract – and their determination to stand by it has made negotiations tough for his admirers.

Chelsea have, for a long time, been on his trail. However, they are closing on Kalidou Koulibaly instead – and next want Presnel Kimpembe and Nathan Ake.

Kounde, though, is also wanted by PSG and Manchester City, so signing him will not be easy for Spurs.

However, it seems they could have an advantage with Sevilla seemingly open to a possible swap.

Spurs offer four stars in Jules Kounde swap deal

As per the Daily Express, Spurs may move to lower Kounde’s asking price by offering them their pick of four players.

Giovani Lo Celso, Tanguy Ndombele, Harry Winks and Sergio Reguilon are the four in question.

Indeed, the LaLiga side have already expressed their interest in re-signing former loanee Reguilon. He is being cleared to leave Tottenham after failing to convince Conte.

Lo Celso is another intriguing prospect and the player’s impressive loan with Villarreal last season will have caught their eye.

Ndombele and Winks are the two men they are least likely to pursue. However, Ndombele needs a move to get his career back on track, and the Express claims he could be their next Steven Nzonzi.

Winks, meanwhile, might just have the game to succeed in LaLiga thanks to his excellent passing range. He is reportedly open to a move overseas as he looks to get his stuttering career back on track.

VAN DER SAR’S KEY ROLE IN LISANDRO MARTINEZ MOVE

Manchester United hope to finalise the signing of Lisandro Martinez on Thursday.

The Argentina defender has been the subject of a fierce tug of war between United and Arsenal for the past few weeks.

However, it is United who have won the race, striking a huge £46m deal with Ajax.

His signing will come as a major relief to Erik ten Hag, who has seen his side ensure a frustrating summer so far. With only Tyrell Malacia in the bag, he will hope the capture of Martinez will spark a busy period at Old Trafford.

That said, his signing will reportedly see three players pushed out by the Red Devils in the coming weeks.

For United, it’s a case of third-time lucky for Martinez. They saw bids of £38m and £43m rejected for the 24-year-old.

Ajax were seemingly intent on holding out for £50m. But once it was made clear that the defender wanted to join Manchester United, a compromise deal was struck.

Now, as per De Telegraaf, the deal was given a helping hand by former United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar. With United officials in Amsterdam on Wednesday, Ajax chief executive Van der Sar smoothed over the negotiations. Not wishing to make life hard for United, he was the one who settled on the compromise fee of £46m.

The 51-year-old was keen to ensure a breakthrough was made that suited all parties. And with an agreement reached, Martinez’s move – on an initial four-year deal with the option of a fifth year – should go through on Thursday.

LEEDS UNITED’S TOP TWO STRIKER TARGETS NAMED

Leeds United are still planning to be active on the transfer front this summer, despite already signing six new players.

Jesse Marsch’s side have recruited well, bringing in Brenden Aaronson, Rasmus Kristensen, Marc Roca, Darko Gyabi, Tyler Adams and Luis Sinisterra.

However, their spending has pretty much been offset by the sales of Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha. The Brazilian’s move to Barcelona should go through on Thursday, with the player explaining why he had to move to the LaLiga giants.

For Leeds, they still hope to make at least two more signings this summer. And top of their agenda is a new striker to provide cover and competition for Patrick Bamford.

Their No 1 target remains Charles De Ketelaere, with Leeds leaving a huge offer on the table with Club Brugges.

However, as per The Athletic’s Phil Hay, it has been made clear to Leeds that the the 21-year-old favours a move to AC Milan.

As such, Leeds’ hopes rest entirely on Milan failing to strike a deal for the player.

As an alternative, Leeds are also looking at PSG’s Arnaud Kalimuendo. The 20-year-old striker is on the market this summer following two seasons on loan with Lens.

The Whites are likely to move for the France U21 striker once a deal for De Ketelaere has been ruled out.

Leeds United also hope to land former West Ham forward Sonny Perkins following his summer exit from West Ham.