Exclusive: Man United scouts in fight with Tottenham to sign Belgian playmaker Arthur Vermeeren
Tottenham face serious competition from Manchester United in their pursuit of Royal Antwerp midfielder Arthur Vermeeren, Tottenham News has been told.
Vermeeren has already played 65 times for Royal Antwerp despite still being just 18 years old, and was a key part of their title-winning campaign last season, the club’s first Pro League success in 66 years.
His progress has shown no signs of slowing down this year, with the Belgian playing every minute of his side’s UEFA Champions League Group Stage campaign, scoring in the 3-2 win over Spanish giants Barcelona last month.
Tottenham News previously revealed that the north London side were pursuing the playmaker, who has been compared to former Spurs star Christian Eriksen by scouts due to his technical ability and range of passing.
Vermeeren could be signed for a reasonable fee of £25million (The Sun, 26 December), although the competition for his signature is strong.
A recruitment source with links to Belgian football has told Tottenham News that Vermeeren is also a “big target” for Manchester United, whose scouts are fighting the likes of Tottenham to sign the midfield sensation.
Postecoglou will be keen for his employers to win the race for Vermeeren as he looks to add some much-needed depth to his midfield.
The Australian is currently without both Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma, while both players compete at AFCON, and is still missing James Maddison, who remains sidelined with an ankle injury.
In other Tottenham news, one high-flying La Liga side have been linked with a surprise move for a Spurs defender.