Spurs were looking to beat Monaco to the signing of Tielemans.
Back in 2017, Youri Tielemans was one of Europe’s hottest prospects as his form with Belgian side Anderlecht was above and beyond those of his age. Eventually, he went to AS Monaco.
Before his move last summer to Thierry Henry’s side, Tielemans clocked up an enormous 185 appearances in all competitions for Anderlecht and was even the Belgian side’s captain in his final season.
But Monaco were not the only side interested in the playmaker. Indeed, the Daily Mail claim that Tottenham Hotspur wanted to land the impressive midfielder, with Mauricio Pochettino’s hunt for a midfielder still ongoing.
A 17-time Belgium international, Tielemans has perhaps not had the desired impact in France’s top tier as previously imagined, scoring only four goals in 50 league and cup appearances.
Now, Italian outlet CalcioMercato claim he could leave Monaco with the January transfer window fast approaching after failing to make a huge impact in France. Italian quartet Inter, Juventus, Milan and Roma are all said to be keen.
But Pochettino has simply got to join the race for Tielemans, who just needs a manager to give him the confidence and trust to go out every week and perform.
At Spurs, Pochettino is renowned for his faith in youth that has brought the best out Harry Kane, Harry Winks, Eric Dier and Dele Alli throughout his stewardship as Tottenham boss.
There is no doubt that Tielemans possesses the ability to play for most sides in Europe. But the key to unlocking it is something far more difficult to find – but if anyone is to work Tielemans out, it is Pochettino.
The Argentine boss would be perfect for the Belgian, and landing him as Mousa Dembele’s long-term replacement would be the perfect solution to a long-standing problem in Tottenham’s midfield.
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