Tottenham face Fati repeat as Iling-Junior set to be ‘sacrificed’ in January

Ange Postecoglou hails Tottenham’s composure in victory at Nottingham Forest

Tottenham are at risk of having another top target being pinched from their grasp by Brighton. Both sides have been credited with holding an interest in Juventus winger Samuel Iling-Junior, and Spurs will be keen to ensure that they are not left empty-handed and forced to turn their attention to alternative targets.

Tottenham have enjoyed a strong start to the season, with Ange Postecoglou breathing a new lease of life into the club with his desire to play attractive, attacking football. The North London outfit sit in fifth place in the Premier League and have asserted themselves as contenders to finish in the Champions League places.

Summer signings James Maddison, Micky van de Ven and Guglielmo Vicario have hit the ground running for Tottenham, and further investment is likely in January to ensure that Postecoglou has a squad with enough depth to compete at the very highest level.

Spurs are expected to push for new signings at both ends of the pitch, with Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly and Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi shortlisted as their top centre-back targets. Juventus outcast Iling-Junior has also been identified as a player who can provide versatility for Tottenham, with the winger expected to leave the Serie A next month.

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However, according to Calcio Mercato, Brighton have now joined the race to sign the 20-year-old along with Marseille. The Seagulls are said to be firmly in the frame for the England Under-21 international who Juventus are keen to ‘sacrifice’ in order to raise transfer funds, and they will be able to offer him regular opportunities at the Amex Stadium.

Brighton targeting Iling-Junior will be incredibly unwelcome news to Spurs as they are well aware of how quickly and effectively they can negotiate deals with clubs and players – with their desire to develop younger prospects and provide them with pathways to more significant career opportunities proving incredibly attractive.

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Ansu Fati is among the players to have been captured by Brighton, with Roberto De Zerbi luring him away from the grasp of Tottenham late in the summer transfer window and securing his signature on a season-long loan deal from Barcelona.

The Spaniard was viewed by Spurs as the ideal acquisition to provide an alternative option in the final third at a minimal cost, with his versatility an attractive asset. Similarly, Iling-Junior is capable of being deployed in several different roles, and Tottenham may need to act quickly next month to prevent Brighton from pinching another of their top targets.

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