Tottenham want to sign player compared to Lionel Messi by Pochettino in shock £17m+ transfer update

Tottenham are contemplating a shock transfer move for Sporting CP's Marcus Edwards, who left the LilyWhites in 2019, according to Abola.

The Portuguese outlet reported [27 March] that Spurs are one of the teams keeping tabs on the 25-year-old winger, with Crystal Palace also interested.

It is understood that Sporting, who are under no pressure to sell their star, will reject any transfer offer below £17million during the summer transfer window.

Could Tottenham re-sign Marcus Edwards from Sporting CP this summer?

Considering Edwards' form in the last couple of seasons, it comes as no surprise to see Spurs showing signs of regret after selling the winger in 2019 to Vitoria de Guimaraes.

Though his six goals and eight assists in all competitions this campaign are impressive enough, the former Spurs man caught Europe's attention after notching 12 goals and 14 assists last season.

With the addition of Viktor Gykores to Sporting's lineup, Edwards seems to have dropped down the pecking order behind Paulinho and Trincao, having only started 15 matches in Liga Portugal this season.

Working with Ange Postecoglou could very much be enough to persuade the 25-year-old to return to London, with the Australian in the process of building an extremely exciting project.

Edwards is certainly a player who could flourish under Postecoglou's guidance, with youngsters like Destiny Udogie, Pape Sarr and Brennan Johnson trusted in some of Spurs' biggest games so far.

Being able to go back to a former club and prove yourself is not an opportunity that comes along very often, and with a relatively cheap asking price of £17million, it seems like a no-brainer for the London side.

Though it did not work out, the player showed plenty of potential, with former manager Mauricio Pochettino comparing him to Lionel Messi, stating via Sky Sports in 2016: "The qualities - it's only looks, his body and the way that he plays - remember a little bit from the beginning of Messi."

Edwards has received the necessary experience since leaving the club in 2019, having endured tough loan spells with Norwich City and Excelsior during his time in England.

With Champions League and Europa League football now on his CV, the winger would be an exciting addition to the Spurs squad ahead of next season.