Report: Tottenham make approach to sign £50m-valued genius (not Barkley)

Sun 30 July 2017 19:17, UK

By Harry Sykes

Tottenham have made an approach for Riyad Mahrez as they aim to beat Arsenal to his signature, according to a report.

The Express claim Spurs have joined the race for the Leicester genius after Roma had two bids rejected and quit their pursuit.

Spurs are the only Premier League club not to make a signing during this transfer window so far, although manager Mauricio Pochettino has insisted that reinforcements are imminent.

The Express report that Tottenham have registered their interest in signing Mahrez but have not yet gone beyond the enquiry stage.

Leicester have slapped a £50million price tag on the architect of their 2015-16 Premier League title triumph, when his 17 goals and 10 assists were key to their stunning success.

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Mahrez was not as influential for Leicester last season but he still scored 10 goals and supplied seven assists in 45 matches in all competitions, with four of his goals coming in the Champions League.

The Algerian international released a statement in May declaring that he wants to quit Leicester after agreeing to stay on for one more year following their Premier League triumph.

Football Insider verdict:

What a signing Mahrez would be for Spurs. He may not track back, he is not especially quick, but his exquisite touch, near-perfect technique and clinical finishing would make those pining for Erik Lamela appear, more than ever, the hipsters that they are. Unlike another £50million-priced playmaker, Everton’s Ross Barkley, who is said to have caught Mauricio Pochettino’s eye, Mahrez has the track record to back up the price tag. He would frustrate the hell out of the demanding Argentine but he would delight him, too. The left-footed genius would be a game-changing capture.

In other Tottenham news, Spurs are firmly in the driving seat to sign a creative spark for a bargain price and Pochettino wants the deal done quick smart.

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