West Brom starlet Harper’s contract situation should be of interest to Tottenham

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Tottenham have a recent history of targeting young English talent from the Championship, after the success of plucking Dele Alli from League One.

It’s an unusual strategy for a Champions League side, but is geared towards helping Spurs steal a march in terms of high-potential players in a market where there are richer clubs fishing around.

The Daily Mirror reported in January that Spurs were watching Hull’s Jarred Bowen, the Telegraph reported that they bid £25m for Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish in August and the Daily Mail claimed earlier this month that they were interested in Norwich prospect Max Aarons.

That clear, concerted effort to land Championship talent leads on nicely to the contract situation of West Brom teenager Rekeem Harper.

The Express and Star report that Harper’s current Baggies deal expires at the end of the season, meaning that he would be available for just a compensation package in the summer.

West Brom are reportedly – and understandably – keen to agree an extension, but if Tottenham showed an interest, it could convince the player to move to north London.

And if they did get Harper, his contract situation should mean he comes in at less than the £25m Villa turned down (Telegraph) during the summer.

He has enjoyed an impressive breakthrough season with his quality from the wings and if Tottenham’s transfer trend is to continue, he is one player they should be taking a look at before he extends his current deal.