Tottenham transfer whammy as rising PL star’s exit blocked; €40m transfer fee sought

Manchester Metropolis won’t promote Tottenham Hotspur goal Rico Lewis this summer season

Tottenham Hotspur’s hopes of pulling off a shock late swoop for Manchester Metropolis starlet Rico Lewis look to have been dashed after each Pep Guardiola and the participant himself signalled his intention to remain on the Etihad. That is in keeping with a report from Teamtalk.

Spurs have been preserving tabs on Lewis all summer season, intrigued by his versatility and maturity properly past his years. Able to slotting in at full-back or entering into midfield, the 20-year-old appeared a pure match for Thomas Frank’s system, which thrives on technical, adaptable gamers.

However whereas Nottingham Forest opened talks with Metropolis, even tabling a €30m bundle, Guardiola has successfully shut the door. Talking after Metropolis’s 4-0 win over Wolves, he made it clear he expects Lewis to remain, citing conversations with the teenager himself.

Lewis residing the dream at Manchester Metropolis

For Tottenham, the largest setback isn’t simply Metropolis’s reluctance to promote, it’s Lewis’ personal stance. The England worldwide doubled down on his dedication to his boyhood membership, calling Metropolis his “dream membership” and insisting he’s by no means thought of enjoying elsewhere. These phrases make it clear that even when Spurs had been prepared to match Metropolis’s €40m valuation, persuading the participant himself was at all times going to be an uphill battle.

Reviews recommend Metropolis are making ready a brand new contract for Lewis, one that won’t solely reward his speedy rise but additionally fend off any suitors, Spurs included, by tying him down long-term on considerably improved wages.

What now for Spurs?

Whereas Lewis appeared like a dream addition, Spurs’ recruitment group will now should focus elsewhere as Levy and Frank intention to strengthen earlier than deadline day. The failed pursuit of Savinho already left supporters annoyed, and lacking out on Lewis is one other reminder of the powerful competitors on the high of the Premier League market.

The excellent news? Spurs are nonetheless firmly within the race for Eberechi Eze, and Daniel Levy stays intent on including one other artistic outlet to offset the absence of James Maddison. Lewis would have been an thrilling coup, however with Metropolis unwilling to play ball and the participant dedicated to staying, Spurs might want to have a look at extra reasonable choices to bolster Frank’s squad.