Report: Tottenham line-up £7million bid for 7-goal Belgian winger

By Chris Linnell

According to reports from the Mirror, Tottenham are ready to reignite their interest in Everton’s Kevin Mirallas, with the London outfit preparing a bid of around £7million in an attempt to secure his signature. This follows on from the club’s previous interest in the Belgian international, who has just one year remaining on his contract at Goodison.

Mirallas experienced a turbulent 2014/15 season at Goodison Park, in which he ultimately failed to hit top gear. Despite scoring seven goals in 29 appearances, off-field problems – particularly surrounding his long-term future at the club – seemed to distract the 28-year-old throughout the league campaign.

After the Merseyside outfit completed the signing of Barcelona youngster Gerard Deulofeu earlier in the week, Mauricio Pochettino’s Lilywhites are under the impression that Everton could finally be willing to part ways with the unsettled winger. Furthermore, with just a year left before the expiration of his current deal, the Toffees would be wise to cash-in while they still can.

In that case, what does he have to offer Tottenham?

A pacey customer, who loves to cut inside and let fly at the opposition goal, Mirallas would provide Spurs with a much-needed burst of direct, attacking flair, with the end product to match – the latter of which, former Roma midfielder Erik Lamela has failed to offer since his big-money move from the Italian Serie A.

Kevin Mirallas – Average Duels Won 2014/15 (via Squawka.com)

The Belgian converted 19.4% of his total attempts at goal last term, while fashioning 18 chances (including one assist) and finding success in 40% of his take ons. While Lamela enjoyed his best season at White Hart Lane – during which he fashioned 60 key passes and completed 54% of his dribbles – he was still only able to score on two occasions. However, he did assist seven goals.

Clearly the two wingers excel in alternative areas. Nonetheless, one gets the feeling that, had Mirallas been supplying to a certain Harry Kane – who last season experienced the form of his career to date – his final figures would have been considerably more impressive. Instead, the midfielder played a bit-part role in an Everton side that struggled for form until the last few weeks of the campaign.

Could this deal impact the long-term future of Aaron Lennon? 

This is a deal that could see Spurs midfielder Aaron Lennon head in the other direction. The Englishman enjoyed a fruitful loan spell at Goodison throughout the latter half of the season – scoring two goals in 14 appearances – and the general consensus among Toffees fans is that he would be a suitable addition to the club’s attacking arsenal.

Aaron Lennon’s weekly form for the Toffees – based on Squawka.com’s Performance Score algorithm.

The Mirror’s report suggests a slightly more complicated outcome. Spurs are expected to lodge a straight cash deal (no swap included) for Mirallas, which would leave the Toffees needing to make a separate bid for Lennon’s services. However, there is good news for fans of the former Leeds winger, as he is allegedly keen on a return to Merseyside before the end of the current window.

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