Spurs and Chelsea both hoping to grab Griezmann

Spurs, outsiders at 66/1 to win the Premier League this season, are apparently ready to prise wide playmaker Antoine Griezmann away from Real Sociedad, with a bid in the region of £25m.

Reports suggest Premier League rivals Chelsea could also be in the mix, ready to scupper a deal to Spurs, just as they did last season with ex-Anzhi Makhachkala forward Willian. The Brazilian had seemed certain to be headed to White Hart Lane, until Blues boss Mourinho swooped in to steal the attacker, and gazump his London rivals.

Tottenham still look to be in pole position to secure the tricky winger, though, with ‘the Special One’ insisting Chelsea’s summer spending is over. He also already boasts a wealth of options in attacking midfield positions, with World Cup stars Eden Hazard and Andre Schurrle just two of the talents on the Blues’ books.

A year after Welsh superstar Gareth Bale was sold to big-spenders Real Madrid for an eye-watering amount, Spurs seem set to bring in a recruit who can potentially replace his goal threat. Most comfortable starting from the left wing, free-scoring French international Griezmann could be the right signing to finally fill the former Tottenham talisman’s shoes.

Spurs originally splurged much of Bale’s fee on the likes of Paulinho, Etienne Capoue, Nacer Chadli, Erik Lamela, Christian Eriksen and Roberto Soldado. This scattergun approach to transfers yielded mixed results, with several of the new additions underwhelming.

Consequently, new Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino inherits a severely unbalanced squad. Packed with players who can operate in central midfield, Spurs require potent forwards who can provide pace, goals and excitement.

After starring in La Liga last season, and netting 20 times in all competitions for Sociedad, Griezmann certainly seems to fit the bill. His attacking exploits last campaign warranted in an international call-up to Frances’ senior squad in February, with the winger eventually replacing injured Franck Ribery in Les Bleus attack at the World Cup.

Rumours of Pocchetino’s plans to lure the wideman to White Hart Lane arrive as attacking midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson prepares to make a switch from Spurs, back to former loan club Swansea. The Iceland star is expected to be part of a straight swap deal for Swans left back Ben Davies, with his current clubmate Michel Vorm also expected to join Tottenham.