Tottenham are reportedly confident of landing Serge Aurier from PSG in a £20 million deal before the transfer window slams shut.
According to a report in the Daily Mirror, Tottenham are closing in on a £20 million deal to sign Serge Aurier from PSG. The Ivory Coast defender is also the subject of interest from Manchester United, but he is likely to become the North London club’s first summer signing.
Aurier has established himself as one of the most reliable defenders in Ligue 1 since joining PSG from Toulouse in 2014. But, he has been involved in his fair share of controversies during his time in the French capital as well, which have ended up restricting his playing time.
Nevertheless, Aurier chipped in with a decent return of five assists in 32 appearances in all competitions in addition to being solid defensively for PSG last season. But, his time with Les Parisiens is set to come to an end this summer.
Tottenham are confident of securing the £20m capture of Paris Saint-Germain right-back Serge Aurier. (Source: Daily Mirror) pic.twitter.com/75RrimgUET
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) August 17, 2017
Thomas Meunier usurped the Ivory Coast international as the first-choice right-back towards the end of last season, and with PSG securing the services of Dani Alves this summer, the player is third in the pecking order in Unai Emery’s side, even missing the club’s pre-season tour to USA.
And his next destination looks set to be the Premier League, with Manchester United and Tottenham battling for his signature.
At Manchester United, Jose Mourinho has been busy in the transfer market, bringing three new faces to Old Trafford. But the Portuguese manager has publicly stated that he is looking for one more player to wrap up his transfer business for the summer.
While initially he had made it known that he was eager to bring in a winger, Mourinho has lately changed his track a bit, claiming that he is looking for a wide player.
On the right side of defence, Antonio Valencia has held the fort quite commendably. But, with the Ecuadorian on the wrong side of 30, and Darmian favoured by Mourinho as a left-back, Aurier is a viable target, especially with the Manchester United boss emphasizing on the need for rotation.
Recent reports have suggested that Aurier has already agreed personal terms with Manchester United, with only the transfer fee left to be agreed with PSG. But, the Mirror report that Tottenham could steal a march on their Premier League rivals for the player.
Serge Aurier has recorded more assists (19) in Ligue 1 since 2012/13 than any other defender in the division.
19 by number… pic.twitter.com/3hvGQBq2A5
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) July 31, 2017
The Lilywhites have been quiet in the transfer market thus far, with Kyle Walker’s move to Manchester City being the only major piece of transfer business at the club. The Englishman’s departure, though, has created a void on the right side of defence, with Kieran Trippier the only senior recognised option.
Walker’s namesake Kyle Walker-Peters has been seen as the future right-back at Tottenham, and after making an impressive debut against Newcastle, his stock is certainly on the rise. But Mauricio Pochettino is keen on adding a top right-back to his squad ahead of Spurs’ Champions League campaign.
Therefore, Tottenham are hoping to secure a £20 million deal for Aurier, with PSG keen on offloading the player as well. The sticking point, though, is Aurier’s two-year suspended sentence that prohibits him from entering the UK. The outcome of his appeal will determine whether he can join Tottenham.
Spurs, though, are confident that they can land the Ivorian before the transfer window slams shut. It now remains to be seen if Aurier receives a positive outcome to his appeal, paving the way to join Tottenham.
