Tottenham are reportedly set to beat Manchester United in pursuit of Dani Olmo, who is valued at €25 million by Dinamo Zagreb.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Mucho Deporte, Tottenham have leapt in front of Manchester United in the race to sign Dani Olmo in this summer’s transfer window. Spurs have agreed personal terms with the player, who is now poised to complete a €25 million transfer to the North London club.
Dani Olmo is one of several players who have been a part of the La Masia exodus in recent years, owing to a lack of clear pathway to first-team football at Barcelona. The Spaniard joined Dinamo Zagreb in the summer of 2014 before breaking into the first-team setup midway through the 2014-15 season.
Since then, the 21-year-old has gone from strength to strength, amassing 102 appearances for the Croatian club. The 2018-19 season turned out to be the most productive of Olmo’s fledgling career thus far, as he garnered a return of 12 goals and 9 assists in 44 outings, before playing a decisive role in Spain’s UEFA Under-21 Euro triumph this summer.
Man of the match in the final against Germany, his exploits seem to have attracted two of the biggest clubs in England. Manchester United and Tottenham are keen on signing the Spaniard, with his performances at the Under-21 European Championships making him an even more attractive proposition.
At Manchester United, the future of Paul Pogba continues to be uncertain following his comments over wanting a new challenge this summer. Should the Frenchman end up departing, Olmo would be a player that United can sign as his long-term replacement.
Even if Pogba ends up staying put at Old Trafford, Olmo could be a fine addition, owing to his ability to play out wide. With Anthony Martial set for showdown talks over his future, chances are Manchester United could do with another outlet for the flanks, despite the addition of Daniel James, meaning Olmo could still be a viable target.
Tottenham, on the other hand, are bracing themselves for the departure of Christian Eriksen, who has confirmed that he is open to a summer departure from the North London club. Replacing the Dane would be no mean feat, which explains why Spurs are weighing up their options.
Giovani Lo Celso and Dani Ceballos have also been linked with Tottenham, with Olmo being their latest target. But, if the report is anything to go by, the Champions League runners-up want to sign Lo Celso and are also poised to beat Manchester United to Olmo’s signature.
Mucho Deporte claim that Tottenham have reached an agreement with the player over personal terms and are also ready to meet Dinamo Zagreb’s €25 million valuation of the 21-year-old. With Champions League football on offer, it is understandable why they appear set to beat Manchester United to his signature.
It now remains to be seen if the report indeed turns to be true, with Dani Olmo primed to become the third summer signing for Tottenham, who are finally active in the transfer market. As for Manchester United, having now lost the €25 million race for the Spaniard, they must turn their attention elsewhere in search of an alternative midfielder.
