Tottenham round-up: Turkish youngster targeted; rivals in for Hoffenheim man; Levy criticises Premier League spending

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According to American news outlet ESPN, Tottenham are currently involved in a tussle with fellow Premier League side Manchester United to try and sign highly-rated Turkish youngster Serkan Bakan.

Last season the 16-year-old – who currently plays for Gazientepspor – became the youngster ever player to score in the Turkish Super Lig, and impressive displays have caught the eye across Europe.

And now, Bakan’s agent, Ibrahim Polat, has told ESPN of Tottenham’s interest in the teenager.

Speaking in an interview yesterday, he said: “Manchester United and Tottenham have been scouting Bakan.

“Several clubs from Germany have also been keeping tabs following his debut season in the Super Lig. He already has goals in the cup and league. Serkan is a special talent, so it is natural for there to be a lot of interest.”

It is understood that Gaziantepspor could face an uphill battle to keep hold of the 16-year-old after they suffered relegation from the Turkish top-flight last season, with the English duo set to pounce.

In other news, Sky Sports has claimed that both Chelsea and Liverpool are prepared to battle it out with Tottenham to sign young Hoffenheim right-back Jeremy Toljan this summer.

The 22-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Spurs over the past few days – as per the Evening Standard – but it now seems that it could be a three-way race for the £3.1 million-rated defender.

Yet despite the speculation Toljan’s agent, Ersin Akan, has said there has been no formal approach for the Germany Under-21 international just yet. He said:

“It is always a pleasure to read big clubs like Tottenham are interested in Jeremy.

“Spurs are a fantastic club with an excellent progression in the last years, but we didn’t speak to the responsible persons and, for the moment, everything is a rumour.”

The German impressed hugely during Hoffenheim’s surprise campaign last year, going unbeaten throughout the season at home, and it is thought he could provide competition for Kieran Trippier.

Meanwhile, Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has openly criticised the way in which teams in the Premier League have been going about their transfer business this year, labelling it ‘unsustainable’.

Over £850 million has already been spent so far this summer, with the window set to remain open for another month until August 31. However, the north London club are yet to dip into their pockets once.

Speaking in an interview yesterday, BBC Sport report Levy said: “We have a duty to manage the club appropriately.

“Some of the activity that is going on is just impossible for it to be sustainable. Somebody spending £200m more than they’re earning, eventually it catches up with you. And you can’t keep doing it.

“Our position on transfers is that we have a coach who very much believes in the academy, so unless we find a player that makes a difference we would rather give one of our young academy players a chance.”

Kyle Walker’s £45 million switch to Manchester City has been the only real movement of note concerning Tottenham, with young forward Clinton Njie also leaving London to move to Marseille on a permanent deal.