Tottenham Hotspur are allegedly interested in signing Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku this summer, albeit the striker is not a priority for the Lilywhites.
The 30-year-old spent the 2022-23 season on loan at Inter Milan from Stamford Bridge, where he was part of an entertaining Inter side.
Lukaku helped the Serie A club reach the Champions League final, where they were defeated by treble winners Manchester City in a tight showpiece match in Istanbul.
The Belgian international had a decent season with 10 goals and six assists in 25 league appearances, but he was mostly limited to cameos off the bench.
According to Football Insider, Lukaku is not at the top of Tottenham’s summer striker shortlist, but the Lilywhites are still interested in the former Manchester United star.
Despite the Blues’ lack of a designated number nine, the forward is currently back in West London and is not in Mauricio Pochettino’s plans for the start of the new Premier League season.
Lukaku has not played for Chelsea during pre-season or in the opening two league games, and the club is thought to be keen to unload the player before the transfer window closes.
Tottenham targeting Gift Orban instead of Lukaku
According to the report, both Inter and Juventus are keeping an eye on the Belgian’s status as the summer window closes, but neither team has reached an agreement with the Blues.
Spurs are reportedly looking to recruit Gent’s Gift Orban instead of Lukaku, with the 21-year-old enjoying a productive season in the Belgian Pro League in 2022-23.
The Nigerian found the back of the goal eight times in nine outings, enabling Hein Vanhaezebrouck’s side earn a place in the Europa Conference League this season.
Ange Postecoglou is reportedly not alone in his pursuit of Orban, with Tottenham’s London rivals Fulham reportedly ready to compete for his signature after Aleksandar Mitrovic finalised his move to the Saudi Pro League.
The Serbian agreed to a lucrative three-year contract with Al Hilal, allowing him to work with Neymar and former Wolverhampton Wanderers player Ruben Neves.
After earning £43 million from the sale of Mitrovic, the Cottagers are in a position to reinforce their attacking ranks in the next few days of the transfer window, with Orban reportedly being a goal.
Spurs have used Brazil international Richarlison as their main striker in the early stages of the Premier League season, and Postecoglou will likely use the same lineup against Bournemouth on Saturday.
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