Tottenham identify Ivory Coast starlet as ‘high priority’ but Chelsea already bid £35m

Tottenham Hotspur are contemplating a move for an Ivorian international, whose stock has risen considerably this season, but they may have to act fast to beat Chelsea to the player.

It may be a bit premature for Spurs to start thinking about the summer transfer window, given that their place in the Premier League next season is far from assured.

However, Tottenham have seemingly started planning for the transfer window, perhaps in an effort not to get left behind in the race for their top transfer targets.

It has now emerged that the Lilywhites have set their sights on a young midfielder, who is turning a lot of heads with his performances in Turkey this season.

Tottenham set Christ Inao Oulai as ‘high priority’ target but so have their London rivals

Sports Boom have now claimed that Tottenham have been impressed by Christ Inao Oulai’s displays at Trabzonspor, and both they and Chelsea have opened ‘high priority’ files on the youngster.

It is revealed that the two London clubs have sent representatives to every match involving the centre midfielder of late, and have been excited by his rise as one of the best young midfielders and registas in Europe.

Additionally, Bournemouth and Brighton also sent representatives to Trabzonspor’s recent matches against Basaksehir, Fenerbahce, and Kayserispor to run the rule over Oulai.

In the various scouting reports, the 20-year-old’s ability to retain the ball under pressure and his athletic recovery speed were attributes that received top marks.

Spurs may have to spend big to land Oulai

SportsBoom explains that Trabzonspor do not want to lose the midfielder and are well protected since he is contracted until 2030.

The report claims that the Turkish club would not even be willing to start negotiations for Oulai for any proposal below €40 million (£34.7m).

The publication adds that Trabzonspor are hoping to hang onto the Ivory Coast international for one more season and aim to push his valuation up to €50m (£43.4m) by next summer.

However, concerningly for Tottenham Hotspur, it is revealed that Chelsea have already tested the waters with a package around £35m, which potentially means that the Lilywhites may have to act fast to seize the initiative in the transfer race for the midfielder.

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