Is this the start of the great Spurs exodus? Barcelona and Bayern Munich lead race for defender, 19, amid strong season on loan – as relegation-threatened strugglers identify new contender for sporting director post

Barcelona and Bayern Munich are main the scramble to prise Luka Vuskovic away from Tottenham in the summertime.

The 19-year-old central defender has excelled throughout a mortgage this season at Hamburg within the Bundesliga.

His performances have attracted curiosity from many throughout Europe, together with some within the Premier League and Italy’s Serie A.

The Croatia worldwide is regarded as eager on a transfer away from Spurs whether or not they escape relegation or not.

Vuskovic has but to make a aggressive look for the North London membership he joined from Hajduk Break up.

He performed preseason friendlies final 12 months earlier than then boss Thomas Frank opted to ship him on mortgage to proceed his growth.

Spurs beat robust opposition to strike a £12million deal for Vuskovic in 2023 however couldn’t formalise the switch to England till he turned 18 final 12 months.

He was loaned from Hajduk to Radomiak Radom in Poland after which Westerlo in Belgium and this season has been a fixture in defence for Hamburg, making 21 Bundesliga appearances.

His brother Mario, 24, has additionally been at Hamburg however is at the moment serving a ban for doping which ends in November when he’s anticipated to rejoin the membership.

Luka has spoken prior to now of his need to play alongside Mario which has fuelled Hamburg’s hopes of conserving the rising star on mortgage for an additional 12 months.

The gathering clamour from rich and illustrious suitors together with Bayern and Barcelona although would possibly pressure the state of affairs.

Spurs see Vuskovic as one in all their prized younger property alongside Archie Grey and Lucas Bergvall and see this mortgage as a significant a part of his progress.

They’ve him below contract till 2030 and can need to preserve him however look set to have a battle on their arms.

The continued relegation disaster and instability on the prime are unlikely to steer Vuskovic and his consultant he’s higher off remaining in N17 when he might be part of one of the crucial profitable golf equipment in Europe.

MATT BARLOW

Freedman a contender for sporting director function

Tottenham have recognized Dougie Freedman as a contender to turn out to be their new sporting director, as strain mounts on interim boss Igor Tudor.

The membership have been exploring potential candidates to switch Fabio Paratici and to work alongside Johan Lange.

Chelsea’s co-sporting director Paul Winstanley and Bournemouth’s president of soccer operations Tiago Pinto are others into account.

Spurs are persevering with with plans to restructure as considerations develop over Tudor’s place.

Thursday evening’s 3-1 defeat by Crystal Palace means Spurs are only one level above the underside three with 9 matches remaining.

Tudor has misplaced all three of his video games in cost. As issues stand, the membership say he’ll take the crew for the Champions League round-of-16 first leg in opposition to Atlético Madrid on Tuesday. Spurs play Liverpool per week on Sunday at Anfield after which have a crunch house sport in opposition to Nottingham Forest.

Dougie Freedman, proper, has been recognized as a contender to turns into Tottenham’s sporting director

Whether or not Tudor stays can be determined by chief govt Vinai Venkatesham and sporting director Lange who would make a advice to the Lewis household consultant Nick Beucher in Florida.

Spurs hope to have a sporting director in place forward of appointing their subsequent everlasting supervisor however their Premier League standing can be key to that course of. Roberto de Zerbi, who they’ve spoken to, and Mauricio Pochettino stay amongst frontrunners for the summer season.

Freedman, in the meantime, is with Saudi Arabian facet Al-Diriyah however solid his popularity at Crystal Palace the place he was instrumental in figuring out gamers reminiscent of Adam Wharton, Michael Olise, Eberechi Eze, Marc Guehi and Dean Henderson as appropriate skills to develop.

SIMON JONES