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Report: Mourinho wants Zeki Celik at Tottenham, but Everton have made first move

Photo by RICHARD HEATHCOTE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
Photo by RICHARD HEATHCOTE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
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According to The Times, Jose Mourinho wants to bring Lille defender Zeki Celik to Tottenham Hotspur because he likes his power in defensive duels and his crossing ability.

It’s claimed that Celik is one of Mourinho’s preferred summer signings, with the Spurs boss believing that he would bring balance to the Tottenham side.

Mourinho seemingly like Celik’s ability in one-on-one defending, but also how he gets forward and puts quality into the box.

The 23-year-old is quick and strong, but able to go forward too, and that’s exactly what Mourinho is hoping to bring in.

There’s just one problem; Everton are trying to swoop in and sign Celik before Tottenham can, and have opened talks with Lille about a deal.

Lille would want around £18million for the Turkish international, and Everton seemingly want him as a replacement for Djibril Sidibe following the end of his loan spell.

Lille’s Zeki Celik during the Ligue 1 match between Lille and Metz at Stade Pierre Mauroy on November 09, 2019 in Lille, France. (Sylvain Lefevre/Getty Images)

One possible bonus Spurs have is that Joao Sacramento is Mourinho’s assistant at Tottenha, and he coached Celik at Lille.

Spurs and Everton have already done battle over Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, and the Toffees seemingly hope to ensure they at least win the race for Celik by making their move now.

Zeki Celik of Lille OSC during the UEFA Champions League group H match between Chelsea FC and Lille OSC at Stamford Bridge on December 10, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images)