Tottenham Hotspur were eyeing up non-league defender Nico Lawrence – but they have now missed out with Southampton striking a deal.
Hampshire Live reported earlier this week that Tottenham were showing a real interest in luring Lawrence to North London.
It was suggested that Tottenham had communicated their interest to Glebe FC in the hope of striking a deal for Lawrence’s signature.
Tottenham were lagging behind at that point though as Lawrence had already joined Southampton on trial, leaving the Saints in a strong position.
Lawrence turned out for Southampton’s B team last week and Tottenham seemingly left it too late to make their interest known.
That’s because Southampton have actually confirmed the signing of Lawrence on a permanent basis after that trial was successful.
Southampton have confirmed that Lawrence has signed an 18-month contract and will initially join up with their B team.
Lawrence was previously on the books at clubs like Fulham and Crystal Palace, even Sutton United before joining Kinetic Academy in London.
Lawrence joined Glebe off the back of his potential with Kinetic Academy and has now completed a potentially life-changing move to Southampton.
Tottenham just missed out on one non-league talent with Lewes winger Ollie Tanner rejecting a move to North London.
Add in that Ramsgate attacker Joshua Ajayi was on trial with Tottenham in January and it looks like Spurs are keeping a close eye on non-league talents.
That hasn’t really been a regular approach from Tottenham, but targeting three non-league players in a matter of weeks suggests a change.
Tottenham now just have to hope that Lawrence doesn’t haunt them and become a star with Southampton, even if they will respect his story and his rise back to a Premier League club.
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