There is a growing confidence within Tottenham Hotspur that Richarlison will join from Everton to boost Antonio Conte's squad, football.london understands.
Talks between the two clubs are understood to be progressing positively and there is a growing belief within Spurs that the 25-year-old will be linking up with Conte's squad for pre-season in the weeks ahead. Richarlison netted 10 goals and laid on five assists in 30 Premier League matches for struggling Everton last season as he helped them avoid relegation.
Spurs have made the Brazil international one of their key targets this summer with his ability to hit the ground running in the league and also play anywhere across the front line, giving Conte more options and support for Harry Kane in the striker role when required. Richarlison filled in for Dominic Calvert-Lewin in leading the line for Everton last season and kept his place up front at times after the England international returned.
READ MORE: Antonio Conte set to sign renowned coach Gianni Vio to help Tottenham in one much-needed area
The Brazilian's arrival would allow Conte to be more confident about his striker options, although Spurs will continue to monitor any opportunities that arrive with other forwards in the market. As with Richarlison, the Tottenham head coach has made it clear to the club that he wants any new signings to be ready for the rigours of the Premier League and require less of an adaptation period in order for the club to compete in all competitions this season.
That approach worked perfectly in January with Juventus pair Rodrigo Bentancur and Dejan Kulusevski both making an instant splash at Spurs and in the English top flight.
One Tottenham player could be heading in the opposite direction, with Everton currently the main option for Harry Winks with Frank Lampard keen, for a second successive transfer window, on bringing the midfielder to Goodison Park. The Toffees' financial fair play problems, despite an expected takeover, means they have been looking at a potential loan deal for the 26-year-old, although he could be used as part of the move for Richarlison, with Everton also potentially having further payments to make on their January signing of Dele Alli from Spurs.
Spurs have also enquired about Richarlison's Everton team-mate Anthony Gordon as they look to boost their homegrown numbers, with the 21-year-old enjoying a breakout season in the Premier League. football.london understands that the youngster would be keen on the move to play Champions League football under Conte but would not ask to leave his hometown club. Everton fans' anger over such a move for the talented youngster could also make it difficult for the club to agree to any sale.
In defence, Tottenham have been linked with a move for Barcelona defender Clement Lenglet as a potential addition to be able to cover both the left and centre of Conte's back three. football.london understands that the Frenchman turned down a loan move to Spurs last summer and he could be an option the club turn back to if they feel they cannot secure their first choice targets in the role.
Tottenham are yet to strike a deal for Middlesbrough defender Djed Spence with the 21-year-old understood to be keen on a move to the north London club. Boro boss Chris Wilder has stated publicly that he expects the deal to go through but that the Championship club want the full value for the England U21 international.
Tottenham's managing director of football Fabio Paratici is also looking to move various players off the club's books ahead of the new season.
Off the pitch, Spurs are in advanced talks with specialist set piece coach Gianni Vio to boost Conte's staff, although a deal is not yet finalised nor his arrival imminent. Vio has worked with the Italian national team as well as having had spells at AC Milan, Leeds United, Brentford and Fiorentina and the experienced coach and former banker is credited with making Italy a force from set pieces as they won Euro 2020 and has reportedly designed 4,830 different routines.
Paratici has also been making improvements to his recruitment staff. Gretar Steinsson is to join Spurs this Friday as performance director, along with Andy Scoulding later in the summer as his assistant, with both highly-rated recruitment specialists taking on remits across both the first team and academy.
Former Bolton defender Steinsson, 40, was the head of recruitment and development for three years at Everton, having been technical director of Fleetwood Town for four years before that. Scoulding, also 40, will join from Scottish side Rangers where he was head of scouting for four years, following positions with the FA, Salford City, Olympiacos and Valencia.
Focused on the link with the youth set-up and academy manager Dean Rastrick will be 48-year-old former Manchester City and Anderlecht coach Simon Davies, who also starts work this Friday with the reported title of head of methodology, ensuring a closer synergy between the first team and academy levels.
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