Spurs have been heavily linked with signing Anthony Martial from Premier League rivals Manchester United but now Nice’s Alassane Plea looks more likely.
If you asked Tottenham Hotspur fans whether they would rather sign Anthony Martial or Alassane Plea this summer, they’d probably pick the former.
Martial has been linked with a move to Spurs for as long as recent memory will allow. Mauricio Pochettino is understood to be a big fan of the former Monaco starlet, who has never really held down a place at Old Trafford since his £38 million move in the summer of 2015.
But it rather sums up the madness of today’s market that Manchester United are hoping to double their money on a player who has flattered to deceive more often than not. The Mirror says that Jose Mourinho’s side want £80 million for Martial – a fee which would have Daniel Levy spluttering on his morning coffee.
Suddenly, then, Spurs’ bid for Plea makes sense.
RMC Sport in France are claiming that the Nice forward is moving closer and closer to a move to England after Spurs launched an offer of £23 million for his services. Now, Plea might not be a household name in North London like his compatriot Martial but that does not mean he wouldn’t be a far better signing.
In fact, while Martial was in and out of the United XI, Plea was enjoying the best and most consistent season of his career on the French Riviera. He scored 16 goals in 34 Ligue 1 starts, 21 in all competitions, while displaying the pace, power and clinical finishing skills that could bring an end to Spurs’ long chase for a Harry Kane back-up.
£57 million cheaper than Martial, what’s not to like?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
