Transfer Gossip: Tottenham trying to block Pochettino striker move as they hunt £34m LaLiga star; Chelsea tempt Inter with swap offer for top Newcastle target

Tottenham are looking to scupper Mauricio Pochettino’s move for a new striker at Chelsea as they prepare an offer for a LaLiga star, while Sunday’s Transfer Gossip reveals that the Blues are also hoping to tempt Inter Milan with a swap proposal for the best midfielder in Italy.

SPURS LOOK TO THWART POCH IN STRIKER CHASE

Tottenham are trying to stop Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino from signing striker Nicolas Jackson, according to reports on Sunday.

The Sun on Sunday claims Spurs could make a late move for Villarreal frontman Nicolas Jackson, a player former Spurs head coach Mauricio Pochettino wants at Stamford Bridge.

The 21-year-old striker has a £34million release clause in his contract at Villarreal, a figure that the Blues are prepared to pay.

Indeed, a report in The Guardian this week stated that Chelsea have already agreed personal terms with the player.

But now The Sun states that Tottenham are also considering a bid for the young striker and plan to stop him from moving to Chelsea in the summer transfer window.

However, that could prove a tricky task if Jackson has already agreed a switch to west London instead.

Chelsea still have the edge in Jackson chase

Neither club are in Europe next season but the fact that Chelsea have already made a concrete move for the player, gives them a big advantage in any chase.

The Senegal international has scored 21 goals in 92 club outings, including 13 in 48 games for Villarreal last term.

However, at this early stage of his career, Jackson is very much considered a signing for the future and is not viewed as the out-and-out No.9 that Chelsea desperately need.

CHELSEA PROPOSE INTER SWAP FOR TOP MIDFIELDER

Chelsea are reportedly keen on signing Inter Milan midfielder, and Liverpool and Newcastle target Nicolo Barella, in a part-exchange deal involving Romelu Lukaku.

According to Italian newspaper Il Corriere dello Sport, the Blues have asked about the possibility of signing Barella in a package deal that would see the Belgian striker complete a permanent move to the San Siro.

Italy international Barella has been the subject of some big links to the Premier League already this summer, with Newcastle really pushing for his signature.

Eddie Howe’s men are already said to have a £50million offer knocked back for the player but are ready to return with a higher offer.

That might have little impact on Inter though as they are not keen on selling Barella, although a swap could be more enticing.

The 26-year-old was named the best midfielder in Serie A last season and played a major role as Inter reached the Champions League final last season before defeat to Manchester City in Istanbul.

He is also considered a future captain at the San Siro, unless a massive offer somewhere in the region of €80m comes in.

That would leave Inter seriously considering a sale to help fund new additions this summer, as they are currently doing with Manchester United target Andre Onana.

But in terms of a swap proposal for Lukaku, Il Corriere dello Sport adds that one could be a non-starter.

Inter are only interested in another loan for the Blues frontman, who scored 14 times in 37 games for the San Siro outfit last term.

WEST HAM CHASING TALENTED EVERTON DEFENDER

West Ham have reportedly made an enquiry into signing Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite this summer.

David Moyes is known to be in the market for another centre-back this summer after the Hammers struggled defensively last season.

And with Everton cash-strapped by their stadium move, it appears that highly-rated youngster Brathwaite could be sacrificed.

A report on Football Insider claims the 20-year-old will be let go for around £5-6million, which could end up being an absolute bargain.

The England Under-21 international spent last season on loan in Holland with PSV, although the Dutch giants decided against meeting Everton’s valuation of the player for a permanent switch.

Branthwaite did a play a major role for PSV, making 37 apperarances in total and helping them win the Dutch Cup. He also chipped in with four goals and two assists.

The talented centre-back was also handed his first England Under-21s call-up this month and made his debut for the Three Lions on June 10.

Branthwaite has made just 13 senior appearances for Everton – 10 of which have come in the Premier League.

His current contract at Goodison Park, which is worth a reported £15,000-a-week, is set to expire in June 2025.

However, it would be somewhat of a surprise if Everton do let the youngster leave, given they have already lost experienced duo Yerry Mina and Conor Coady since the end of last season.