Spurs target unwanted Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte as they seek to find a replacement for Yves Bissouma, as Sir Jim Ratcliffe sets his price tag.
Will you be sad to see Ugarte go?
Tottenham Hotspur are amidst a complete rebuild, similar to Manchester United, after failing to improve on a lacklustre previous season in the Premier League, and sit 17th, just a point from safety.
Spurs' woes come from the club's poor management, having sacked three managers this season alone, most recently being Igor Tudor, who lasted just seven matches, and without a win.
One of the names on the chopping block is the frequently unavailable Yves Bissouma, who has struggled to maintain a place in the Spurs' starting lineup.
The Tottenham board is looking to replace Bissouma with a United midfielder, who has fallen out of contention for a place in the starting lineup as well, which will likely mean the board is ready to cash in on him.
Spurs want Ugarte
United now focuses its attention on its massive squad overhaul that is set to take place this summer, with many former stars currently rumoured to be ready to leave the club.
Tyrell Malacia, Joshua Zirkzee, and Andre Onana are a few names almost certain to make the move away from Manchester this summer, but none seem to have caused as much of a stir as Manuel Ugarte.
Since his arrival in 2024, Ugarte has struggled to keep a consistent run of games in the first team, whether that be because of injury or because he has been benched for the vastly experienced Casemiro.
Ugarte's potential departure comes as no surprise. As relayed by The Spurs Web, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has claimed Spurs see the Uruagyan as a potential replacement for Bissouma, who has become an underwhelming option.
The report also states their Spurs are in a 'three-horse-race' for the midfielder, and that he has 'several possibilities', meaning United are not short os suitors.
This comes not too long after reports suggested that United had set a £35 million price tag on any possible move for Ugarte this summer.
With the departure of Casemiro confirmed at the end of this season, the Reds will be short of two defensive midfielders and will have to turn to the transfer market to re-bolster the squad.
Who could replace Ugarte?
The loss of Ugarte, though it may not seem so, will have a massive impact on the squad depth, as the Reds will be left with just Kobbie Mainoo, who could easily run a midfield on his own.
But investment is needed, despite academy prospects threatening to push through the ranks, such as Jim Thwaites and Jack Moorehouse. An experienced midfielder is needed for the Reds, especially if the club succeeds in qualifying for Champions League football.
Elliot Anderson is a name circulating speculation around the club. His impressive couple of seasons at Nottingham Forest have caught the eye of some of Europe's biggest clubs, and he could be the perfect player to invest in.
Sandro Tonali is another player who follows suit. He's been heavily linked with a move away from Newcastle recently due to their poor form, and United are one of the clubs reportedly lining up for his signature.
Whoever the Reds sign as a replacement will arrive with great interest. The squad has been crying out for a competent defensive midfielder for some time now, and this summer just might be the time we get that.