According to L’Equipe, Tottenham Hotspur have joined the race to sign Rennes attacker M’Baye Niang this summer.
This is certainly a surprising link. Tottenham need an attacker, but Niang hasn’t been mentioned in connection with Spurs for some time now.
Marseille desperately want to sign Niang, with Andre Villas-Boas – the former Spurs boss – looking to sign the Senegalese attacker.
Tottenham have allegedly made contact with Niang in the hope of sparking a deal. He has though spoken to Villas-Boas over the phone about a move to Marseille, with Rennes prepared to let him go.
The 25-year-old, who can play up front or out wide, hit 15 goals in 36 games this season. He does have some Premier League experience, having been on loan at Watford in 2017.
Foot Mercato are carrying quotes from Niang, in which he states that he is interested in joining Marseille. Niang praised their supporters, and admitted he would play for them ‘with great pleasure’.
Niang praised Rennes for reviving him, but it seems that he is interested in a big move this summer, with Marseille favourites despite having ‘problems to resolve’.
“There’s no smoke without fire,” said Niang. “There have been discussions, but today there is nothing concrete. OM also has problems to resolve. Yes, it is a club that interests me, it is a club that has a good history, they also have warm supporters, which I like. If it has to be done it will be with great pleasure and whatever happens Stade Rennais will remain in my heart, it is a club that has revived me,” he added.
Tottenham seemingly have ground to make up in the race for Niang. Beating Villas-Boas would be sweet, but the lure of playing regularly for Marseille compared to a squad role at Spurs may be strong.
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