Tottenham face-off against Man City in the Premier League this afternoon, and off the field, both clubs have been chatting over winger Savinho.
Today’s clash at Eastlands has been tipped as an opportunity for Lilywhites chiefs to hold more face-to-face talks with City officials over a deal for the Brazil international, coming after Spurs’ already well-documented pursuit of him.
Thomas Frank‘s side have seen a bid worth just over £40 million rejected, according to Savinho’s agent, Frederico Moraes, but the player’s camp are in London right now attempting to facilitate discussions as Savinho eyes a move to north London.
The former Girona star, who will play no part today due to injury, is believed to be very keen on joining Spurs as he looks to become a Premier League mainstay ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
“The player is keen on a move to Tottenham, but the player is not breaking his relationship with Manchester City,” said Fabrizio Romano on his YouTube channel earlier this week.
“So the player is kind of positioned like, okay, if I can go to Tottenham, I’m happy, because Thomas Frank wants to make him one of the faces of the project, because he could play on a regular basis. So, Savinho would like to go to Tottenham.”
Daniel Levy, technical director Johan Lange and CEO Vinai Vinkatesham are still dusting themselves off from the public humiliation of missing out on Eberechi Eze, with the 27-year-old coming as their second failed playmaker deal of the window after Morgan Gibbs-White.
In response, reports from Brazil suggest that Tottenham are really pushing the boat out to sign Savinho, with Levy even preparing a club-record £69 million bid.
However, City’s stance thus far is that he’s not for sale, with Pep Guardiola even publicly stating that he wants Savinho to remain in Manchester for many years.
“I am only concerned right now that Savinho will be with us for the rest of the season and hopefully many years because at 21, with the potential he has, he is an extraordinary player,” said Guardiola in a press conference before their 4-0 win at Wolves.
“Otherwise, he would not have played more than 3,000 minutes last season. At the end, the desire of the players is above everything. But then they have to find an agreement with the club. If they don’t take an agreement, the player will be here.”
If their move for the South American hits a brick wall, journalist Pete O’Rourke has told Football Insider that Tottenham have identified a “cheaper” alternative.
Tottenham identify Monaco star Maghnes Akliouche as “cheaper” Savinho alternative
O’Rourke claims that Spurs see Monaco star Maghnes Akliouche as that man, coming after the 23-year-old bagged seven goals and 12 assists in all competitions last season.
“[Tottenham] have shown interest in Savinho at Manchester City, but City have rebuffed their interest so far, saying they don’t want to lose Savinho”, he said on the Inside Track podcast.
“They’re trying to price the Brazilian out of a move, so Tottenham are looking at potential alternatives to him.
“The one that seems to be catching their eye at the minute is Monaco star Maghnes Akliouche, a 23-year-old who is a very talented young player, and would be a cheaper alternative to Savinho as well.”
Other media sources believe that the Frenchman, who won silver with France at the 2024 Olympic Games, could be available for just under £50 million – so Levy will still need to pay a considerable fee.
Akliouche is no stranger to the big occasion, though, with the winger putting in some impressive Champions League performances last season, including the opening goal in Monaco’s 2-1 win over Barcelona.
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