Tottenham’s chances of signing world-class star on the rise

MUNICH, GERMANY - APRIL 12: Douglas Costa of Munich looks on during the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final first leg match between FC Bayern Muenchen and Real Madrid CF at Allianz Arena on April 12, 2017 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images)
MUNICH, GERMANY - APRIL 12: Douglas Costa of Munich looks on during the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final first leg match between FC Bayern Muenchen and Real Madrid CF at Allianz Arena on April 12, 2017 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images)

Tottenham have a legitimate chance to sign Douglas Costa

Wilfried Zaha may not sign with Tottenham this summer after all. Spurs officials have begun to shift their focus on acquiring Bayern Munich star Douglas Costa instead. Despite the newness of these reports, some oddsmakers are already giving Tottenham a 50/50 chance at signing the Brazilian star this summer.

Ladbrokes have installed Mauricio Pochettino’s club as the firm favourites to win this transfer battle. Tottenham aren’t the only club involved with the Bayern star, but they are an even money bet to win the battle at this point. That’s a significant trend considering reports of the club’s interest only emerged this week.

The club’s interest in Costa is a direct reflection on their frustration regarding Crystal Palace’s stance on Wilfried Zaha. Sam Allardyce and company are desperate to hold on to their talisman this summer. Zaha may want to move to North London, but it’s going to be very difficult to pry him out of Selhurst Park.

Palace’s posturing clearly has forced Spurs to evaluate other targets. At the same time, Douglas Costa’s situation with Carlo Ancelotti at Bayern has deteriorated beyond repair. Costa was a key part of Pep Guardiola’s attack, but has found himself on the fringes of Ancelotti’s squad. The fact that he’d like a new contract hasn’t helped matters either.

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Fortunately for Costa, there are plenty of clubs who’d be more than happy to take him on. Spurs are clearly a club where he’d be a great fit. Pochettino is looking for a wide man to complete his attack. Costa’s ability to blow by defenders with his electric pace is exactly what Tottenham need. A healthy Costa would likely take Erik Lamela’s place in Pochettino’s starting XI.

Somewhat surprisingly, Bayern are only looking for £30 million for their talented attacker. That isn’t a small transfer fee, but it’s certainly within Spurs’ budget. Agreeing to a suitable wage packet with Costa would be bigger challenge for Daniel Levy and company.

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Tottenham certainly aren’t a lock to sign Douglas Costa this summer, but things are looking promising for Spurs. The Brazilian attacker could be just the man to round out Mauricio Pochettino’s deadly attack.