Barcelona eye Tottenham player as potential Neymar replacement – report
By Aramide Oladipo
La Liga giants Barcelona have identified Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli as a possible replacement for Neymar this summer, according to a report.
The Mirror claims that the Catalan club are resigned to losing the Brazilian this summer following a training ground incident with new recruit Nelson Semedo which resulted in Neymar storming out of the session.
The newspaper claims that French outfit Paris Saint-Germain are ready to splash out a world record fee around £200million for Neymar which has led Barcelona to turn their attentions to Alli this summer.
It is reported that Chelsea winger Eden Hazard is also on Barcelona’s transfer list alongside Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho.
Alli, 21, has been one of the best performers in the Premier League over the past two seasons and his contribution has helped Spurs secure a Champions League spot for two consecutive campaigns.
The England international has managed to notch up 32 goals from midfield in just two seasons with the North London – only striker Harry Kane has contributed with more goals in this time.
The midfielder’s performances have been duly recognised by his fellow piers as he has been named the PFA Young Player of the Year for the past two seasons.
Alli currently has five years remaining on his current contract with Spurs.
Football Insider verdict
Tottenham should be very concerned should Barcelona step up their interest in Alli this summer. The North London club have not made a single signing in the transfer window as it appears that Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino is relying on the players who have performed so well for him over the last two seasons. They simply cannot afford to lose a player like Alli who is so influential both on and off the pitch. Should the La Liga side receive a world record fee for Neymar, they’ll have the funds to tempt Spurs with an offer and it is very rare that a player declines the chance to play for Barcelona. For the moment, it will be best for the youngster to stay with Spurs as he will be guaranteed first-team football and remain a huge favourite amongst the supporters.
In other Tottenham news, Spurs have been installed as favourites to sign this La Liga midfielder.
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