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Tottenham Hotspur face a challenge this summer to show they’re here to stay at the top-end of the Premier League, which will be difficult as the club has to cope with a campaign playing their home games at Wembley Stadium.
Spurs’ talented young side has excelled in recent seasons but there are some questions remaining around Mauricio Pochettino’s squad, notably regarding how long the Lilywhites can keep their starring squad intact and away from the clutches from top-sides across Europe.
Some high-profile exits could occur this summer, with Kyle Walker consistently linked with a move to Manchester City, but Pochettino seems intent on securing impressive signings to bolster his side for the forthcoming season.
The Sun states the Argentine boss is set to revive interest in Schalke starlet Max Meyer, following an approach last summer that saw the German side demand £39m for the midfielder, but the 21-year-old is set to be available for around half-price during this summer window.
Currently on duty with Germany’s U21 side at the European Championships, Meyer’s future is likely to be resolved after his nation’s involvement in Poland ends- but it seems increasingly likely that Meyer will move away from Schalke.
What’s the deal?
Reportedly available for just £17.5m this summer, less than half of Schalke’s asking price a year ago, Spurs could benefit from a bargain deal due to the fact that Meyer has rebuffed the Bundesliga side’s offers of a new contract.
Meyer will be keen to assert himself ahead of the World Cup next summer, as he seeks to force his way into Joachim Lowe’s plans, and Schalke’s tenth-placed finish in the Bundesliga last season means he will have no European football next season.
Therefore a move to the Premier League, with Tottenham able to provide Champions League involvement, will appeal to Meyer but the 21-year-old has previously suggested he could remain in his current surroundings and leave on a free transfer next summer.
What’s been said?
Quoted by The Sun, Meyer previously said:
“I have not said I will leave Schalke, simply that I won’t extend my contract. I know there was interest in me last summer but the club immediately put a stop to it so the matter was settled.”
“There is still hope things will be better for me at the club. We will have to see what happens.”
Schalke would prefer to sell this summer and receive cash for his services rather than lose their talented asset on a free transfer in 12 months time though, which has left Spurs confident a deal can be struck over the course of the coming months.
