Tottenham in talks to beat Chelsea to signing of £65,000,000 former Blues star

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly in talks to sign Bournemouth and England striker Dominic Solanke, formerly of Chelsea and Liverpool.

Chelsea are also interested in re-signing their former academy star, who spent 13 years with the Blues but made just one senior appearance.

After being tipped for big things at Stamford Bridge, Solanke moved to Anfield but failed to make an impact, eventually joining Bournemouth in January 2019 for £19million.

But again the striker flattered to deceive, scoring just three times over the next 18 months as the Cherries were relegated, but 44 goals over the next two campaigns in the Championship restored his reputation.

Returning to the top-flight, he exploded into form under Andoni Iraola last season, scoring 19 goals – a tally bettered only by Erling Haaland, Cole Palmer and Alexander Isak.

His performances had some calling for the one-cap England international to go to Euro 2024, but Harry Kane, Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney were selected instead.

Now, Solanke is Tottenham’s top target with Ange Postecoglou determined to sign a new No.9 this summer.

The Telegraph report that Spurs have held talks over a transfer though they are expected to make a bid under the 26-year-old’s £65million release clause which has so far put off Chelsea from making a bid.

The north London club may try to offer Bournemouth ‘favourable payment terms’ but it is believed there is still a way to go before a deal can be struck.

It is said Solanke would be interested in playing for a top club after his spells at Chelsea and Liverpool didn’t work out and his arrival could also lead to Spurs selling struggling forward Richarlison who has interest from the Saudi Pro League.

Bournemouth will likely be reluctant to lower their star player’s price tag however, as it is also reported that Solanke has a sell-on clause in his contract which will net Liverpool 20 per cent of the profit made from a sale.

If his release clause was to be triggered, the Reds would therefore earn £9.2m from the player who made just 27 appearances and scored just one goal under Jurgen Klopp.

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