Transfer Gossip: Tottenham quoted £60m to snap up perfect Postecoglou centre-back signing; Pochettino factor prompts prolific Inter striker to pick Chelsea

Tottenham will have to pay £60million if they want to sign an outstanding Crystal Palace centre-back this summer, while Friday’s Transfer Gossip claims Mauricio Pochettino is ready to lure a prolific Inter Milan striker to Chelsea in a real coup for the Blues.

SPURS FACING £60M HIT FOR PALACE DEFENDER

Tottenham are expected to make a move for Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi in the coming weeks of the summer transfer window, although any deal could cost them as much as £60million.

Ange Postecoglou is wasting no time in identifying targets that will strengthen his starting XI as he prepares to officially take charge of Spurs from July 1.

A report in the Daily Mail claims that the Australian wants to bring in proven Premier League stars, with defence a particular area he feels is in need of significant improvement.

Guehi has been on Spurs’ radar for some time, but plans to sign the England man are expected to be accelerated early in the summer transfer window.

However, it appears that Palace’s asking price could be an issue for Daniel Levy and co ahead of what is expected to be a busy summer for Tottenham.

It’s reported that the Eagles want £60million for the 22-year-old, who still has three years remaining on his current Selhurst Park contract.

Eagles in strong position over Guehi future

Palace are also under no pressure to sell, which leaves them in a stronger position to demand a higher fee – unless Guehi tries to forced an exit.

The centre-back, who could feature for the Three Lions in Euro 2024 qualifying on Friday and Monday, missed just one Premier League game last season and is regarded as one of the top young defensive talents in the country.

However, if Spurs get priced out of a move for Guehi they also have an alternative in place in the shape of Wolves star Max Kilman.

Manchester United’s out-of-favour skipper Harry Maguire also remains an option, although Postecoglou prefers the pace and power of Guehi – it juts depends on whether Levy will potentially pay over the odds for the Palace man.

INTER HITMAN ATTRACTED BY CHELSEA SWITCH

Inter Milan Lautaro Martinez is reportedly keen to complete a blockbuster summer move to Chelsea as Mauricio Pochettino ramps up his interest in his fellow countryman.

The Argentina international forward has been on Chelsea and Manchester United’s radars for some time as they are both in need of adding a new No.9 to their respective squads.

But, according to a report from Football Insider, the 25-year-old has let it be known to people close to him that he is attracted to a switch to Stamford Bridge.

Inter are looking to offload players this summer as they look to raise funds for their own additions and are reluctantly willing to listen to offers for the World Cup winner.

It is understood a deal in the region of £60million could be done this summer for a club that makes a concrete move in the coming weeks and months.

Pochettino has identified Martinez as a potential target this summer and is very keen on his compatriot joining him in west London.

Martinez scored 21 times for Inter in 38 Serie A appearances this season helping his side finish in the top four and reach the Champions League final, where they lost to Manchester City.

ATALANTA DEMANDING HUGE FEE FOR HOJLUND

Atalanta are ready to demand a figure ‘well in advance’ of their club-record transfer fee for striker Rasmus Hojlund.

Manchester United are increasingly likely to firm up their interest with an offer for the highly-rated Denmark international forward, while Chelsea are also monitoring the player’s situation.

However, the Daily Mail claims that the Serie A club held a meeting earlier this week when it was decided they would demand closer to £86million (100m euro) for the 20-year-old, who still has four years left on his contract.

Hojlund has recently signed a short-term representation deal with agency SEM, who also represent Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag.

That has led to intense specualtion that United have an advantage over their rivals in the chase for the talented young striker.

Atalanta’s current record fee received was previously £45m from Tottenham for defender Cristian Romero. However, they feel their valuation of Hojlund is reflective of the market as it stands.

But whether United are willing to cough up £86m on a forward who only scored nine goals last season remains to be seen, despite the player’s clear potential.