Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly battling it out with Liverpool and West Ham United for the Barcelona ace’s signature.
Mauricio Pochettino has worked wonders since taking over as Tottenham manager in May 2014, but despite their fine form this season, he still has a lot of work to do in the summer.
One particular area of concern for the Argentine must be his central defensive department, with Toby Alderweireld’s future at the club far from certain.
The Independent reported earlier this week that Barcelona are considering a serious bid for the Belgian in the summer, and although that might cause concern for Spurs fans on the face of it, it could actually present them with an opportunity to edge ahead in the race for Andre Gomes.
According to Spanish publication AS, Tottenham, Liverpool and West Ham United are all interested in signing the Portuguese ace in the summer.
Gomes joined Barcelona from Valencia in the summer of 2016, for a fee believed to be worth in the region of £31 million, but he has struggled to establish himself at the Camp Nou.
The 24-year-old still has a lot to offer at the very highest level, though, and given a consistent run of games, he will surely prove to be a success at whichever club wins the race for his signature.
He would be the ideal signing for Tottenham, and if they are genuinely resigned to losing Alderweireld, they should sanction his exit to Barcelona for two reasons.
Firstly, the Spaniards do not represent a direct threat to Spurs in domestic competition, and secondly, they could use Barca’s interest in the Belgian to gain an advantage in their pursuit of Gomes.
The Portuguese is technically superb when in possession, and would fit perfectly into Pochettino’s footballing philosophy.
And although losing Alderweireld would not be ideal, the opportunity to bring Gomes to north London might just soften the blow.
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