Tottenham Hotspur have now accelerated their pursuit of a "technically beautiful" Savinho alternative, with Manchester City reluctant to sanction the Brazilian's departure.
Tottenham facing uphill battle in Savinho pursuit
With Son Heung-min exiting N17 and James Maddison set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines, it is imperative that Tottenham bolster their attacking options ahead of the transfer deadline, which is in just one week's time.
Savinho has emerged as one of Spurs' major targets, and the Brazil international is keen on a move to N17, but Man City are hesitant to sanction a departure, and are looking to hold out for a fee in the region of £70m - £80m.
Promisingly, Fabrizio Romano has now revealed that Thomas Frank's side are prepared to spend big to secure the 21-year-old's signature.
However, given that it is by no means a guarantee that City will be prepared to sell, the Lilywhites are continuing to run the rule over potential alternative targets, and there has now been a development in their pursuit of AS Monaco's Maghnes Akliouche.
According to a report from Football Insider, Spurs are now accelerating the deal to sign Akliouche, with Monaco prepared to accept a bid in the region of £47.5m, which could make the 23-year-old a more realistic target than Savinho.
Transfer correspondent Pete O'Rourke added: "He’s a top young player, 23 years old, probably one of the most exciting young talents in Ligue 1 right now – he can play as a winger, or as a number 10 as well.
"If Tottenham aren’t able to resurrect their deal for Savinho, Akliouche would be a decent alternative, and it does seem that Monaco would sell at the right price."
"Technically beautiful" Akliouche could be exciting Savinho alternative
Scout Antonio Mango is clearly a big fan of the Monaco star, having described him as a "dream to watch play football" and "technically beautiful", off the back of an impressive 2024-25 campaign.
akliouche
The Frenchman amassed 19 goal contributions in all competitions across the season, perhaps most memorably finding the back of the net with a stunning overhead kick against Rennes.
Savinho should remain Tottenham's top target, given that the starlet is already proven in the Premier League, chipping in with ten Premier League assists for City last season.
However, Akliouche has proven that he could be a fantastic alternative option, and an asking price of around £47.5m seems reasonable, given the forward's exploits last season.