Tottenham transfer news: Spurs identify Michy Batshuayi as alternative to Christian Benteke move as Marseille exodus continues
French side have already lost three key players and Spurs are believed to be weighing up a move for the Belgian striker
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Tottenham are being linked with a move for Marseille striker Michy Batshuayi after pulling out of the running to land Aston Villa's Christian Benteke due to his expensive release clause, it is being reported.
Spurs were keen on signing Benteke last summer, but having missed out on the striker a year go they renewed their interest only to baulk at the £32.5m that Villa were demanding. Both Manchester United and Liverpool have shown interest in Benteke, and as a result The Mirror claims that Spurs have identified Batshuayi as a potential alternative.
The 21-year-old hails from Belgium, like Benteke, and is seen a suitable partner for current striker Harry Kane in order to help the England striker to share the burden of leading the line this season. With Marseille witnessing a mass exodus this summer following their failure to qualify for the Champions League, Spurs are believed to be confident of landing the Belgium international for a reasonable fee.
Should Batshuayi seal a move to White Hart Lane, he would find himself in good company as the Belgian contingent at Spurs is already a well nourished one. Jan Vertonghen, Mousa Dembele and Nacer Chadli are already on the books, while Belgium defender Toby Alderweireld agreed a move from Atletico Madrid this month having spent last season on loan with Southampton.
Marseille have already seen Andre Ayew, Andre-Pierre Gignac and Dimitri Payet leave the club after the Champions League failure resulted in a number of first-team members facing a significant pay cut, and it’s given hope to Spurs that they won’t face too much difficulty in persuading Batshuayi to move to north London.
Spurs are also being linked with a move for Chelsea winger Victor Moses after he rejected the opportunity to return to Stoke following last season’s loan spell.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments