Tottenham transfers news and rumours: Spurs target Barcelona ace Ramirez; Coventry star James Maddison bid made

Transfer rumours and news emerging from White Hart Lane this morning

Sandro Ramirez (Getty)

Tottenham Hotspur are in talks to sign Barcelona ace Sandro Ramirez as their pursuit of Saido Berahino continues to frustrate, report the Evening Standard. The Spanish giants are keen to sell the 20-year-old forward after rejecting a loan bid from La Liga rivals Real Betis this week. Spurs have long considered the Spaniard to be a second-choice option to Berahino, the West Bromwich Albion striker, after trying to sign the England under-21s man last summer.

Little progress has been made with the Baggies, who are in talks with Newcastle about their want-away forward, opening the door on an offer for Ramirez. Barca are often keen to use buy-back clauses at favourable rates when they sell young player but Tottenham are unlikely to be welcoming to any such request.

Meanwhile Berahino remains in the dark about his West Brom future amid persistent interest from the North Londoners. The 22-year-old allegedly wants to leave the Hawthorns but is facing an uphill battle to persuade the West Midlands club to allow it. Spurs appeared the favourites to sign Berahino last summer but a disagreement between the two chairmen scuppered the deal.

Newcastle, eying a striker to spearhead their relegation battle, now appear to have stolen a march on their rivals, but the Blues are monitoring the situation. The Baggies, according to the Daily Mirror, would prefer to do business with either Chelsea or Newcastle to avoid sending their prized asset to White Hart Lane. Despite the former England under-21s star having just 18 months left on his contract, West Brom are determined to remain in charge of the situation and have shown their willingness to turn down big-money offers in the past.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino (Getty Images)

Mauricio Pochettino, the Spurs manager, remains optimistic of signing Coventry City midfielder James Maddison. The 19-year-old almost joined the White Hart Lane outfit lasts summer but the move fell through at the last minute.

According to The Independent’s report, the club’s head of recruitment Paul Mitchell and scouting adviser David Pleat watched Maddison in the defeat to Burton Albion at the weekend and are likely to be prepared to loan him back to the League One side for the duration of the season. Liverpool, Everton, Manchester City and Southampton are also rumoured to be interested.

Spurs striker Harry Kane (2016 Getty Images)

Tottenham’s Argentinian boss has expressed reservations about signing new players in January before describing Harry Kane as ‘one of the best strikers in the world’. Pochettino was speaking following the 2-0 FA Cup third round reply victory against Leicester City – one secured with his second string at the King Power Stadium.

He said: “I can understand that when you don't score, people can be worried, but we have enough quality. Today was a good opportunity for Nacer and Son to show that they can score so we are very pleased. We can improve (the squad), yes, and if we find the right player, then OK, but if not, I am very happy with the squad that we have. We have a strong squad, and that is my real thought. We have one of the best strikers in the world (in Kane).”