Will Tottenham succeed in their pursuit of Fulham’s Ryan Sessegnon?

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Tottenham Hotspur remain the sole Premier League club yet to sign a player this summer. However, manager Mauricio Pochettino looks determined to open the cheque book before the transfer window slams shut in a couple of weeks’ time.

According to the Mirror, Spurs have launched an astonishing £25 million bid for Fulham wonderkid Ryan Sessegnon. The report says the Championship club have rejected Tottenham’s approach for the left-back, who penned a new three-year contract at Craven Cottage two months ago.

Pochettino is a known admirer of Sessegnon, who scored seven goals in 30 appearances in all competitions for Fulham last season. At just 17 years of age, the under-19 international is among the brightest prospects in the English game.

He is one of only a handful of professional footballers who were born in the 21st century and has impressed everyone with his mature performances and professional approach. Sessegnon is just as capable going forward as he is at defending and would suit Pochettino’s brand of football, which requires his full-backs to be energetic and act as auxiliary wingers.

That Tottenham are believed to have submitted a £25 million bid for Sessegnon reflects how highly Pochettino rates him. It is close to the record amount ever paid for an English teenager – Wayne Rooney’s switch from Everton cost Manchester United £25.5 million in 2004 – and is an enormous figure for someone who has never played top-flight football.

Pochettino is renowned for his ability to develop youngsters and could take the teenager’s game to another level. Just look at the effect he has had on Harry Kane and Dele Alli, who have improved immeasurably under the Argentinian’s tutelage.

The major sticking point here is Fulham’s refusal to sell. Despite the humungous offer, which surely must have tempted them, they are under no obligation to sanction Sessegnon’s departure.

The player himself is also in no rush to leave, having stated that he wants to be playing regular football, which he might not get if he moved to the north London club. Pochettino’s current left-back options are Ben Davies and Danny Rose, although the latter has been linked with a move away.

Although Pochettino seems to be serious about Sessegnon, Fulham’s rejection of their £25 million offer is a strong statement. Spurs can always return with a higher offer, but with the player happy at the Cottagers, it looks unlikely a deal will be agreed.