Tottenham are reported to be interested in Dinamo Zagreb midfielder, Ante Coric.
The North London club have gone on to submit a bid for the player. That is according to Croatian newspaper SN, who claim Spurs have recently sent scouts to watch the 19-year-old, who has been likened to Manchester City’s David Silva.
Coric has been a key player for Zagreb this season, helping the club to the Croatian title with four goals and five assists. Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino has apparently been impressed by Coric’s high level of intensity and work ethic and has set aside £10million to secure his services ahead of next season.
However, Pochettino faces competition from Premier League rivals Liverpool, who are looking to trump Spurs with a £11.4m move. The Reds manager Jurgen Klopp has reportedly called Coric to invite him and his representatives to Anfield, where he could join Croatian compatriot Dejan Lovren. The Under-21 international reportedly turned down Chelsea, Barcelona and Bayern Munich at the age of 12 to join Red Bull Salzburg, signing for Zagreb four years later.
Spurs might lose the player to Liverpool if the player eventually signs with the club. Aside Coric, Spurs are also in the race with rivals, Arsenal FC to acquire Denis Suarez. Suarez has been a key player for Villarreal this season that just ended, he appareared in 48 games in all competitions helping the club to a fourth place finish.
The 22-year old represented Spain at youth level making nine under 21 appearances as he is awaiting a call up to the national team.
The attention raised due to his performance this season has attracted the attention of Barcelona who might activate their buy-back clause. If they do, the action can see the player return to Camp Nou for 2.3 million Pounds, then he can be sold for profit this summer.