Tottenham Hotspur are tracking Pablo Maia as they lurk behind West Ham United in the race for the Brazilian talent.
That’s according to 90Min, who claim that Tottenham are monitoring developments around Sao Paulo star Maia very closely.
This is an interesting chase for Tottenham given that West Ham United are so interested in Maia.
It’s suggested that West Ham are targeting a loan deal with option to buy, but Sao Paulo only really want a permanent deal in January.
West Ham are already set to sign Sao Paulo defender Luizao so may now push to land teammate Maia too.
Fulham have had a bid rejected for Maia and Tottenham are now making it a three-way London battle for the midfielder.
Who is Tottenham and West Ham target Pablo Maia?
Maia, 20, has emerged in the Sao Paulo ranks having previously been with Independente de Limeira and Portuguesa Santista.
2017 saw Maia make the move to Sao Paulo and he has now made more than 60 first-team appearances.
Primarily a defensive midfielder, Maia has even played further forward and also as a centre back.
Maia suggested in November that playing in Europe is a real dream for him but he was leaving that up to his agents to figure out.
Bolavip also noted that there is a €10million (£8.5million) release clause in Maia’s contract, yet UOL Esporte claim that the figure actually stands at €50million (£43million).
That’s a very big difference and Tottenham may now trying to find out what exactly is stated in Maia’s Sao Paulo contract.
Maia’s contract appears to expire in September 2023, so Sao Paulo are effectively running out of time to sell Maia.
An exciting young midfielder who could compete with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma, Maia is a talent for Tottenham fans to keep close tabs on.
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