Spurs submit £38m bid for “wonderful” Real Madrid target; now leading race

Tottenham Hotspur have now submitted an opening bid of £38m for a “wonderful” player, who is also being targeted by Real Madrid, according to reports.

Tottenham keen on midfielder with Bissouma departure expected

It appears as though Yves’ Bissouma’s time in north London could be coming to an end, with Tottenham reportedly approving plans to sell the midfielder this summer, which means Ange Postecoglou may be tasked with bringing in a replacement.

Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney has been earmarked as a potential replacement for the Mali international, with the 22-year-old valued at £20m by the Championship club, which would make him an affordable option.

Hackney is not the only relatively cheap English midfielder on the shortlist, however, with Postecoglou eager to convince Lille’s Angel Gomes to make the move to N17 on a free transfer this summer, at which point his contract with the French club expires.

There are also alternative options from within the Championship, and a report from Spain has revealed Spurs have now made the first move to sign Sunderland’s Chris Rigg by submitting a €45m (£38m) offer for the midfielder.

The Lilywhites are determined to get a deal for Rigg over the line, thus submitting a bid way over his market value, and they are now leading the race, but there is set to be stiff competition for his signature, as a number of other Premier League clubs are keen along with Real Madrid, hence the interest from the Spanish press.

The Black Cats will find it difficult to turn down such a huge offer for the 17-year-old, who is one of the most sought-after players outside the top flight, but they could also wait to see if Madrid make an approach. President Florentino Perez would love to sign the teenager

, having scouted the youngster on a number of occasions this season.

“Wonderful” Rigg impressing in the Championship

Despite his age, the central midfielder has already managed to establish himself as a key player for the Black Cats, who are on course to compete for promotion to the Premier League this season.

The starlet has made 34 appearances in the second tier, during which time he’s picked up four goals and one assist, and he won the Goal of the Month award for a well-taken effort against Middlesbrough back in September.

In truth, the idea that Tottenham have submitted a £38m bid should be treated with skepticism, given that previous reports have detailed that Sunderland would be willing to sanction his departure for just £25m this summer.

However, having been lauded as “wonderful” by former manager Tony Mowbray, it is clear Rigg is a very talented young player, and it would be fantastic if Tottenham were able to win the race for his signature.