Spurs make bid for £51m star who’s asked to leave

The Thomas Frank era got off to an agonising start as Tottenham Hotspur fell short against Paris Saint-Germain on penalties, but there was much to admire from a spirited and, for the most part, organised north London outfit.

There was a lot to like, but Spurs fell short against the continent’s finest outfit, who clambered back from a two-goal deficit in the late stages. Lots to like, but work to be done, with the need for an attacking midfielder accentuated by the loss.

James Maddison’s injury is a tough one to take. Certainly, the Three Lions playmaker has been left stricken given the promising nature of Tottenham’s season ahead, with the World Cup then on the horizon across the pond.

Looking at the situation through a pragmatic lens, Spurs’ need for an attacking midfielder has been heightened. Dejan Kulusevski is still recovering from a patella injury, and the controversial failed bid for Morgan Gibbs-White preceded Maddison’s return to the infirmary.

With Heung-min Son having completed a £20m transfer to LAFC in the United States, signing Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze feels like something of a no-brainer, with that deal in the works. Well, insofar as Tottenham must remain apace with Arsenal in the battle.

But though Frank’s side showed great promise against PSG on Wednesday night, it’s clear that the club are calling out for more than just the arrival of a Maddison replacement, with a deal for Manchester City’s Savinho being chased too.

The latest on Savinho to Spurs

With Son gone and Eze operating frequently from the middle, thrusting forward with electric strides, completing a deal for Savinho feels important.

The Brazilian, 21, joined Pep Guardiola’s side from French club Troyes for around £31m last summer, and he registered 13 assists across 48 matches last term, albeit only scoring three times.

But there’s a lot to like, and Tottenham have opened talks for the rising talent as City pursue a deal for Real Madrid’s Rodrygo.

Savinho’s lack of bite in the final third is equalised by his snappy physicality and natural creativity. The goals will come, especially if he heads down N17 to work under Frank’s tutelage.

Savinho, who can play across both flanks, would be a fantastic addition, but with Man City holding out for a £67m fee, Daniel Levy and his coterie appear to have earmarked an exciting alternative.

Spurs have made bid for new winger

As per Spanish sources, Tottenham have seen an offer rejected for Real Sociedad winger Takefusa Kubo, worth somewhere in the region of €40m (equating to £34m).

The sought-after Japan international believes Sociedad’s ambitions do not match his own, with Spurs hoping to entice him over to London, offering the promise of Champions League.

Daniel Levy will be keenly aware of rival English interest: Bournemouth, Everton, and West Ham have all placed bids of their own, and AC Milan are now emerging as suitors too.

With such thick competition for Spurs’ Savinho alternative, Kubo’s outfit want his €60m (£51m) release clause paid in full.

What Takefusa Kubo would bring to Spurs

Savinho has proven that he has what it takes to impress in the Premier League, with Manchester City expert Steven McInerney remarking that he’s “on the precipice of being a world-class footballer.”

However, £67m is a tall order for a young winger who only scored one league goal for one of the most dangerous attacking outfits in the world last season, and Kubo could be an exciting alternative who might even prove the better pick.

A high-speed and nimble winger, Kubo is typically housed on the right flank, though like Savinho, his dynamism lends itself to roles across the frontline.

And his desire to leave Real Sociedad bespeaks his ambition. Despite maintaining a steady creative presence for the Basque side last year, he was let down by his teammates, finishing 11th in the league and creating only 42.5 xG (expected goals), via FBref.

In spite of this, Kubo, who has been described as a “special talent” by journalist John Bunting, enjoyed a promising individual campaign.

Like Savinho, Kubo hasn’t established himself as a free-scoring wide forward yet, but there’s no question that he’s the more clinical of the two.

The Japanese’s flaw in the final third is that he doesn’t work himself into space with enough regularity, instead hugging the touchline and creating for his teammates.

Savinho does this too, of course, and it’s worth drawing attention to the fact that Kubo failed to register even one assist in La Liga last year. However, his underlying playmaking numbers suggest that he has what it takes to enrich Tottenham’s attacking fluency and build-up play.

Ultimately, Frank’s proven record with wingers, taking talented players and fashioning them into stars, suggests that both Savinho and Kubo could go from strength to strength under his leadership.

But, in all likelihood, Tottenham can only sign one. And if that is indeed the case, Kubo has the skill set and the hunger to prove himself at the highest level, having only featured eight times in the Champions League and having yet to reach the potential that was recognised from an early age.

Spurs’ initial offer suggests their interest is genuine, and if Man City stand unwavering on their £67m valuation, he is the winger to go for.