Tottenham round-up: Fornals interest; Perisic targeted; Ibrahimovic backs Kane exit

By Sam Leveridge

North London derby for Spaniard

Spurs could look to Spain to provide strength in depth as TEAMtalk claim that Tottenham are keen on a move for Villarreal’s Pablo Fornals which could come cheap by paying his €25 million release clause. It comes as Arsenal and Manchester City have also been linked.

The playmaker has been one of few bright sparks for the Spanish side as they continue to battle to avoid relegation from La Liga, which could force him to seriously consider a summer exit.

Inter man is wanted

Spurs were linked with Inter Milan’s Ivan Perisic and Mauricio Pochettino is still interested, according to Italian newspaper Tuttosport, via Sport Witness. They claim that the Croatian remains a target for Tottenham as they look to add depth in attack.

The winger could depart the San Siro in the summer as he continues to shine in Italy, despite the presence of interest from across the continent, including Tottenham.

FLORENCE, ITALY – FEBRUARY 24: Ivan Perisic of FC Internazionale celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and FC Internazionale at Stadio Artemio Franchi on February 24, 2019 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Zlatan claims Kane must leave

Former Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic will not have won himself any friends in north London as he has controversially claimed that Harry Kane must leave Spurs to prove himself.

“When I was in England, I saw him play. I think he’s a good striker, he’s still developing. He’s doing good things but I always say playing at a big club, performing good, it’s different from playing in – with all due respect for Tottenham – a normal club and performing there,” he told Bethard.

“It’s two different situations, because I saw players do the same thing but when they come to a big club something is different. But I think he could make it. He just needs to make the move. People remember you for what you win and in the end he needs to win.”

Kane returned from injury to score against Burnley at the weekend and will be looking to shrug off such comments from the Swede as he hopes to start against Chelsea.