Tottenham ready to trigger El Khannouss transfer clause – This is how much they’d pay
Tottenham are looking to strengthen their midfield after the injury sustained by James Maddison.
Maddison was stretchered off for Spurs against Newcastle United in pre-season and will be out for up to nine months after rupturing his ACL.
Thomas Frank’s side made an early move for Morgan Gibbs-White, but that move was impossible after Nottingham Forest deemed it an illegal approach.
Now, the Lilywhites have found an alternative and are ready to trigger Bilal El Khannouss’ transfer clause at Leicester City.
Tottenham keen to sign El Khannouss from Leicester City
Spurs have been urged to sign a Maddison replacement, with Harvey Elliott and James McAtee mooted as options.
However, Elliott has been heavily linked with a move to RB Leipzig, while McAtee is closing in on a move to Forest.
The North London outfit are crying out for an attacking midfielder, but are up against time to secure one before their season opener with Burnley.
Now, Tottenham are ready to trigger El Khannouss’ £22.5million release clause in his contract, according to the Daily Mirror in their print edition, page 56 (12 August).
- Maddison is out for a long period
- Tottenham failed to land Gibbs-White, their preferred target
- El Khannouss has emerged as a potential signing
However, Newcastle and Leeds United are also in the race to sign the Foxes midfielder.
The publication reports that Leicester are resigned to losing the Moroccan international following their relegation from the Premier League.
Read more: Bilal El Khannouss to Tottenham transfer rated
El Khannouss would be underwhelming Spurs signing
Given that Tottenham were pursuing Gibbs-White earlier in the window, the acquisition of El Khannouss would be substandard.
While the 21-year-old showed glimpses of his potential in the top flight, he is not Gibbs-White.
Last season, the Moroccan notched a respectable eight goal contributions in all competitions, with five of those in the league.
In the Foxes’ Championship opener against Sheffield Wednesday, El Khannouss was instrumental, bagging two assists.
| El Khannouss’ statistics v Sheffield Wednesday | Total |
| Minutes played | 90 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Shots | 5 |
| Big chances missed | 1 |
| Touches | 85 |
| Key passes | 4 |
Of course, there is every chance that the midfielder could develop into a top Premier League player, but he is not on the same level as Maddison or Gibbs-White.
With Spurs playing Champions League football this season, they need quality players for now.
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