Tottenham round-up: Kovacic rumours dismissed; Ipswich midfielder to leave; Hong Kong friendly announced

Add as preferred source on Google

Reports in Italy have claimed that Real Madrid midfielder Mateo Kovacic is going nowhere this summer amidst interest from Tottenham, Roma and AC Milan.

The 23-year-old Croatian has struggled for regular first-team football under Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane this season, and speculation had been mounting about a move away from Spain.

But Kovacic’s agent Nikky Vulsan has rubbished claims that he’s leaving – despite only making five starts in Los Blancos’ previous 14 La Liga matches.

Speaking to Tuttomercato, Vulsan said:

“There is not any news. Or rather, there are no chances that this will be possible.

“Mateo has a very long contract with Real Madrid, which runs until 2021. So I do not understand all these rumours, all this speculation about his future.”

With the likes of Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, Isco and James Rodriguez in the Real Madrid ranks, chances have been few and far between to impress Zidane at the Bernabeu this season.

According to reports in the Daily Mail, Ipswich Town midfielder – and Tottenham target – Kundai Benyu is set to leave the Championship side over the upcoming summer window.

After breaking into the Ipswich first-team at 16, the 19-year-old has spent much of the current season on-loan at National League side Aldershot Town and has impressed during his time there.

Benyu managed five goals as Aldershot fell narrowly short against Tranmere Rovers in their play-off semi-final last weekend, and has caught the eye of numerous top teams ahead of the summer.

Tottenham have been long-term admirers of the teenager, inviting him to be part of their NextGen Series squad last summer, and Mauricio Pochettino could be poised to make a move if he leaves.

Benyu is out of contract at Portman Road – with no new deal put on the table yet – and reports of a fall-out with manager Mick McCarthy earlier in the season could pave the way for a move to London.

Away from player issues, it has been announced today that Tottenham will play a one-off friendly in Hong Kong just five days after the current Premier League campaign comes to an end.

The Evening Standard reports that Mauricio Pochettino’s men will immediately be jetted off to the Far East straight after their final match against Hull City on May 21.

Talking to the London-based outlet, the Spurs boss said:

“We are delighted to accept the invitation to return to Hong Kong to play against one of their top clubs Kitchee SC and play our part in the anniversary celebrations.

“We are aware of our growing popularity across Asia. This latest visit represents a great chance for us to engage with our loyal fans in the region and thank them for their fantastic support and the commitment they make to watching us at any hour of the day or night.”

Tottenham’s shirt sponsor – AIA Group – have their headquarters based in Hong Kong, and May’s trip will be the third time in the past nine years that the North London side have played there.

Featured Image: All rights reserved by Adrien Garcia.