Tottenham rocked, as Fulham and Ligue 1 side thunder in for goal-per-game striker
Any Tottenham hesitation could be quickly and decisively punished after Fulham and Lille emerged as credible contenders to snap up a deadly striker, per a report.
Spurs have cash to splash on the back of selling Harry Kane to Bayern Munich for a club-record £120m (including future add-ons). However, before a replacement in the forward line can be signed, Tottenham must first reduce the size of their squad.
Tanguy Ndombele is one player who could depart amid interest from Nottingham Forest and Galatasaray. Elsewhere, Barcelona have made contact with the camp of Giovani Lo Celso.
Davinson Sanchez is among a cluster of defenders believed to be on the chopping block that also includes Sergio Reguilon and Japhet Tanganga.
A second high profile arrival at centre-half has been rumoured if exits occur. Furthermore, a replacement for Kane – albeit not necessarily a like-for-like centre-forward – has also been heavily mooted.
To that end, Spurs have sized up Gent striker Gift Orban who has plundered six goals in six matches for the Belgian side this season. His overall record for the club stands at a wildly impressive 26 goals in 28 games.
The 21-year-old Nigeria international is believed to be valued around the €30m mark. Belgian outlet De Morgen provide an update on Orban’s future, insisting he is still very much under consideration in north London.
However, Tottenham are no longer alone in chasing Orban and it’s reiterated they cannot act until they’ve made space within their squad.
De Morgen add London rival Fulham as well as French side Lille have entered the race. Fulham’s interest stems from selling Aleksandar Mitrovic to Al Hilal for around £50m.
Marco Silva’s side thus have a gaping void at the tip of their attack and Orban is a player they’re quickly turning to.
It’s acknowledged Fulham are yet to lodge an official bid, though Orban is now one of three names on their shortlist.
In further troubling news for Tottenham, it’s also claimed a possible switch to Lille might actually be the preferred outcome for Orban.
Game-time assurances could sway Orban decision
Explaining why, it’s suggested Orban would hope to continue playing regularly at his next club and that’s not a guarantee Tottenham and Ange Postecoglou can readily satisfy. £60m man Richarlison has led the line in Spurs’ first two outings since selling Kane.
Any Lille move would only occur if first selling Jonathan David who ironically, has also been linked with Spurs.
In any case, what is clear is Tottenham no longer have an Orban move all to themselves. In the event they delay, they may find Fulham or Lille have already swooped.
If Orban does elude Spurs, there is a readymade forward in the Premier League also in their sights…