As the Kyle Walker to Manchester City transfer saga rumbles on into its third month, an interesting sub-plot has been unearthed in today’s media to make Tottenham Hotspur fans sit up and take notice.
The Sun has stated that Mauricio Pochettino’s men are interested in landing Kelechi Iheanacho as as part payment of the deal to send the Spurs right-back to the Etihad Stadium.
While it remains to be seen just how much credence is in the report, most Tottenham fans will surely hope that it is true.
Adding new faces to Pochettino’s squad this summer has proved to be a difficult exercise, with the Spurs supporters still waiting for the first signing of the off-season.
I wrote elsewhere back in May that Tottenham should move for Iheanacho if he became available and since then the Nigerian’s future has been hotly debated in the press.
With West Ham United and Leicester City widely speculated as closing in on the striker, I have scratched my head wondering why Spurs were not being mentioned as a potential suitor also.
With a second striker to provide competition and support for Harry Kane widely believed to be a transfer priority for the North London club this summer, Iheanacho certainly fits the bill.
A proven goalscorer in the Premier League already, the 20-year-old has wasted little time in proving himself after a move to City.
With pace to burn, poise on the ball and footballing intelligence, Iheanacho has impressed for City – but has not been given a full chance to show what he is capable of.
As Pochettino looks for young, hard-working players that he can develop and improve, the African forward seems to fit the bill.
While it looks almost a certainty that Walker will leave, this blow can be cushioned by bringing the City attacker (and at least £15 million) the other way.
With Kieran Trippier ready to become Spurs’ first-choice right-back, the sale of Walker and the subsequent attacking addition of Iheanacho could actually strengthen Pochettino’s group this summer.