Liverpool are reportedly set to battle Tottenham in pursuit of former Manchester United forward Memphis Depay.
According to a report by Italian outlet Calciomercato, Tottenham are facing stiff competition from Premier League rivals Liverpool in the race to sign Memphis Depay. The former Manchester United forward is valued at €50 million by Lyon.
Memphis Depay has come a long way since joining Lyon from Manchester United in January 2017. Now a pivotal player for club and country, the Dutchman has unlocked various facets to his game to transform his fortunes completely.
Depay has kicked off the current season in strong fashion as well, with 11 goals and a solitary assist in 14 appearances across all competitions. And, the former Manchester United superstar’s exploits have been duly noted, with Liverpool and Tottenham setting their sights on him.
Tottenham are in resurgent mood under Jose Mourinho, who was coincidentally at the helm at Manchester United when the player joined Lyon. However, considering the fact that Depay can play across the frontline now, the Dutch international could be a viable target for Spurs, at a time when they are bracing themselves for Christian Eriksen’s departure.
The interest from Liverpool, on the other hand, comes as a bit of a surprise, because they have one of the most ferocious attacking trios in the world. The interest from Reds, therefore, could be stemming more from the need to beef up the attacking options, although Depay’s acquisition could pave the way for a switch to a 4-2-3-1 as well, a formation that Jurgen Klopp has previously used.
Depay has previously been linked with a move away from Lyon on a few occasions and the pot was stirred further last month, when Ronald Koeman claimed that leaving the club would benefit him. Liverpool and Tottenham, though, will have to shell out €50 million to secure the services of the ex-Manchester United superstar.
It now remains to be seen if either of the two English heavyweights are willing to meet Lyon’s valuation of the player. For now, it looks as if Liverpool and Tottenham are set to lock horns off the field, in pursuit of Depay, who might just be on his way back to the Premier League soon.
However, Manchester United could be in the fray for Depay as well, with Mourinho previously iterating that the Red Devils have a buyback clause in the 25-year-old’s Lyon contract. It will, therefore, be interesting to see if the chase for the player ends up becoming a three-way battle, with United joining Liverpool and Tottenham in his pursuit.
