OPINION
Speculation is intensifying that Liverpool and Tottenham are firmly in the race to sign Borussia Dortmund winger Christian Pulisic this summer.
But are Spurs really going to smash their transfer record to meet the £50million valuation the Bundesliga big guns have slapped on the brilliant American?
There’s two chances of that happening. None and zero.
The Telegraph report that Tottenham have turned their attention to Pulisic after Fulham’s promotion to the Premier League dented their long-term bid to land Ryan Sessegnon.
Spurs are in need to pace and mobility to stretch teams and rejuvenate what is sometimes a one-dimensional attack in marquee matches.
Mauricio Pochettino is a developmental manager who has an excellent track record of polishing uncut diamonds.
But Pulisic fits into the bracket of established rather than rising star, and it is difficult to see Spurs, stymied by the costs of their new stadium, blowing, rival clubs out of the water to land the 19-year-old this summer.
Indeed, Pochettino’s meeting in a Danish restaurant with Christian Eriksen last week gives a bigger hint as to his transfer market intentions.
As the Telegraph suggest, it means the playmaker, 26, is likely to commit to a new contract in a huge boost to the manager’s plans for next season.
The cost of the deal would certainly take a big chunk out of Spurs budget and would simultaneously diminish the requirement for Pulisic.
In an ideal world, Pochettino would love to have Pulisic fighting for a place with Eriksen, Lucas Moura, Dele Ali and Son Heung-Min next season.
In reality, that’s not going to happen and the sight of Eriksen and Pochettino breaking bread is only going to encourage Liverpool they can win the race for the Bundesliga attacker.
