Tottenham would be smart to bid early for the Senegal ace.
The 22-year-old netted 16 goals last season and is yet to commit to a new contract with Lazio.
Lazio are already making plans for his exit, and according to Tuttomercatoweb they already have two potential replacements lined up.
Porto winger Yacine Brahimi and Feyenoord forward Bart Ramselaar have both been identified as replacements for Keita.
For now the Serie A side remain hopeful of signing one of the duo, but as time ticks down their job will get harder.
That is why it is important Tottenham stump up the money for Keita Balde now, to stand a better chance of tempting Lazio to sell while they feel they can sign a top quality replacement.
If Spurs leave it until close to the deadline, Lazio may consider it too difficult to bring in one of their own targets at the last minute.
Yet the very fact they appear prepared for Keita’s exit is encouraging for Tottenham’s transfer hopes, and should encourage chairman Daniel Levy to make the winger the club’s first signing of the summer.
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