Man United set to beat Tottenham in bid to sign Southampton defender
Tottenham tasted victory over Manchester United in the Europa League final.
It was touted as a huge game for both season after dismally underwhelming campaigns in the Premier League and Spurs came out on top in the Bilbao showcase.
However, Ruben Amorim’s side may be set to beat Ange Postecoglou‘s side to a new signing when the transfer window reopens.
Tottenham to lose out on Emsden-James
It is a pivotal summer for Spurs but their hand has been strengthened by the fact that they will play Champions League football next year.
However, it appears that the appeal of playing amongst Europe’s elite and the extra finances on offer will not swing a deal in their favour this time.
A report from Daily Mail (27 May) claims that Southampton youngster Harley Emsden-James is set to choose a move to the Red Devils over the Lilywhites.
It states that former Saints technical director, who now works for the Old Trafford club, was a key factor in the decision.
Tottenham need to focus on first-team recruits
Tottenham have already signed several promising youngsters recently, with Luca Furnell-Gill from Liverpool and Daniel Batty from Manchester City joining in the winter transfer window.
However, it appears that the Saints man with not be the latest addition to the promising youth ranks in North London after the new update.
| Premier League | Played | GD | Points |
| 17. Tottenham | 38 | -1 | 38 |
| 18. Leicester | 38 | -47 | 25 |
| 19. Ipswich Town | 38 | -46 | 22 |
It will not be a pressing concern for Postecoglou and Co anyway, as their priority must be to sign players that can contribute in the first team straight away to avoid another dismal league campaign where they relied on the likes of Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall.
Given that Emsden-James has made just two appearances in the Under-18s Premier League for the St Mary’s outfit and never played in the senior squad, it will not be that much of a blow for Spurs if they miss out on his services to United.
It is important to build their strength of the youth team but not as important as the immediate success of the senior team, which must be Levy and his recruitment staff’s focus this summer.