- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
Tottenham Hotspur have been told that AFC Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke is going to a very expensive player to sign before the winter transfer window closes.
HITC Football understands that it would take a bid in excess of £60m for Bournemouth to even consider selling the 26-year-old.
The Cherries have dismissed claims that Tottenham have held talks over a move this month and a bid that matches Bournemouth’s valuation is highly unlikely to be submitted.
Sources close to the south coast clubs have confirmed to HITC Football that no talks are currently ongoing and they are not expected before Thursday evening’s deadline or welcomed.
Tottenham not in talks with Bournemouth over Solanke
It’s safe to say that Dominic Solanke is having the best Premier League season of his so far.
The one-time England international already has 12 goals this campaign and only Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah have outscored him.
Chris Sutton admitted he was surprised that Tottenham’s North London rivals Arsenal haven’t submitted a bid to Bournemouth for Solanke this month.
Both teams could do with signing a striker but the Cherries are insistent that they don’t want their star forward to leave this month.
Andoni Iraola’s side have been improving as the season has gone on and Solanke has played a big part in that.
However, the allure of joining a team that are challenging for a place in next season’s Champions League might be difficult for Solanke to ignore
Solanke hailed for brilliant performances this season
Speaking about the 26-year-old on The Rest Is Football Podcast, Alan Shearer said: “He is having a really, really impressive season. My guess is that he will take two backups to Harry.
“Watkins plus another. Now he is going to be up against competition from Ivan Toney, Callum Wilson, perhaps Bowen.
“So he is having a great season but for England… if he continues to blast them in between now and the end of the season then I would say so but you then also have to have a look at some of the others.”
Solanke would love to give Gareth Southgate something to think about, especially with the final international break before the European Championships approaching in March.
If he can earn a call-up to that squad then he’ll be in a fantastic position to travel to Germany with the Three Lions one of the favourites to win the competition.
Tottenham may miss out on Solanke but have already been active in January
It’s understandable why Bournemouth would be reluctant to open talks with Tottenham over Solanke.
However, Ange Postecoglou’s side have already made two significant additions to their squad this month.
Timo Werner has arrived on loan from RB Leipzig, while Radu Dragusin has provided the Australian with another centre-back option.
Tottenham were keen to sign young winger Antonio Nusa, but after being beaten to the punch by Brentford, his move to the Premier League is in doubt.
There is still time for players to leave Spurs, although a bid for full-back Emerson Royal has already been turned down this month.
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