Tottenham have opened talks with Monaco over a deal for Folarin Balogun, according to reports in France. The Premier League club have 'laid the groundwork' for a transfer worth €60 million (£51.2m), as reported by L'Equipe.
Balogun's Career and World Cup Performance
Monaco signed Balogun in a £35 million deal from Arsenal three years ago. The 25-year-old has scored 31 goals in 91 games for the Ligue 1 side. Balogun also impressed at the World Cup this summer, scoring three goals in four appearances for the United States.
Balogun was at the centre of controversy at the World Cup after United States President Donald Trump personally called FIFA president Gianni Infantino to ask for the striker's red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina to be overturned. Balogun's one-game World Cup ban was suspended for a year, which allowed him to play in the last-16 stage, but the United States were beaten 4-1 by Belgium.
Tottenham's Striker Search
According to L'Equipe, Tottenham have now made a move for Balogun 'in recent hours' and have 'laid the groundwork' for the deal. The report adds that Newcastle United and clubs in Spain have also registered their interest in Balogun this summer.
Spurs' move for a new striker comes after Dominic Solanke missed their 1-1 draw with Getafe last Saturday due to an ankle problem. Solanke started just 12 games in all competitions last season after undergoing ankle surgery last September.
De Zerbi's Comments on Richarlison
Roberto De Zerbi has also raised doubt over Richarlison's future as the Brazilian has just a year left on his contract with Spurs. 'He's unbelievable in terms of attitude and behaviour. But, in the end, we have to respect what he wants to do,' De Zerbi said last week. 'I didn't understand well because sometimes he says he wants to stay, sometimes he wants to leave. We have to speak anyway. There is not any problem. He's a lovely guy.'
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