Dominic Solanke, an England striker who was formerly with Chelsea and Liverpool, is in discussions to join Tottenham Hotspur from Bournemouth, according to reports.
A former youth standout who spent 13 years with the Blues but only made one senior appearance is another player that Chelsea is interested in re-signing.
Solanke, who was expected to do great things at Stamford Bridge, went to Anfield but was unable to make an impression. In January 2019, he finally signed a £19 million contract to join Bournemouth.
However, the striker once more pretended to be deceptive, scoring just three goals in the following 18 months as the Cherries were down. However, he recovered his reputation with 44 goals in the following two Championship campaigns.
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.