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Tottenham transfer news: Four most likely summer signings for Spurs

By Rucker Haringey

HULL, ENGLAND - MAY 21: Mauricio Pochettino manager of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Hull City and Tottenham Hotspur at KC Stadium on May 21, 2017 in Hull, England. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images)
HULL, ENGLAND - MAY 21: Mauricio Pochettino manager of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Hull City and Tottenham Hotspur at KC Stadium on May 21, 2017 in Hull, England. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images) /
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ROME, ROMA – MAY 17: Keita Balde Diao of SS Lazio reacts during the TIM Cup Final match between SS Lazio and Juventus FC at Olimpico Stadium on May 17, 2017 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi/Getty Images)
ROME, ROMA – MAY 17: Keita Balde Diao of SS Lazio reacts during the TIM Cup Final match between SS Lazio and Juventus FC at Olimpico Stadium on May 17, 2017 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi/Getty Images) /

3. Keita Balde

The Lazio attacker may have his heart set on a summer move to Juventus, but that doesn’t mean his dreams are going to come true. At the moment, a move to Tottenham seems much more likely to come off for the talented Senegalese star.

News today that Lazio’s ownership are starting to soften on their £30 million asking price for Balde should only embolden Spurs’ hopes of a successful swoop. Reportedly, Lazio officials still want their compensation to total that amount, but they’re willing to make at least £5 million payable via incentives.

Balde is just the sort of versatile attacker that could really thrive under Pochettino. Similar to Son Heung-Min, he’s capable of performing as a striker and an attacking midfielder. Unlike the Korean star, Balde has the physical strength to hold up in the middle against English centre backs.

He also has blistering pace which would differentiate him from Pochettino’s current attacking options. Balde isn’t as skilled as the likes of Dele or Christian Eriksen, but he is able to run in behind opposing defenders. His acquisition would give Pochettino the ability to change his tactics up against opponents content to sit back and defend.

Keita Balde isn’t the cheapest attacker on the market, but he’s the sort of high-end talent that could put Spurs over the top. Keep an eye on the club’s interest in him to intensify in the coming days.

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