Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Football London
Football London
Sport
Luke Thrower

Tottenham linked to £52m 'next Lionel Messi' return after impressive Champions League showing

The January transfer window could hand Tottenham a much needed boost to their squad for the rest of the Premier League campaign after a rocky few months. Antonio Conte's men started the season in ideal form, but a habit of conceding the first goal and dropping points has crept in.

It has seen the side initially dubbed as a potential outside shout for the title race drop into the top four battle once again, sitting fifth and five points off of Manchester United in fourth. Maintaining Champions League football would likely be a huge part of Antonio Conte's project as the funds brought in would allow for further reinvestment.

But to reach that he may need more money put in to achieve that feat for this season, with not much activity happening so far in the window. However, that could soon explode into life as the Daily Mail reports that Spurs are set to open talks with Sporting CP over a potential return for a star forward.

READ MORE: Tottenham join Barcelona and Napoli in transfer race for World Cup star amid Oliver Skipp issue

That return would be for Marcus Edwards, who had come through the youth ranks at Tottenham, only to leave them for Portuguese side Vitoria Guimaraes. Since then, he made the switch to Sporting, where he has become something of a star in both the league and Champions League.

Four goal involvements in six for the latter competition has shown his ability and there could be interest in the £52million release clause held in his contract - though the Lilywhites hold a 50 percent sell-on from his previous exit. Should he join, it could help Antonio Conte solve an issue with a lack of forwards, with Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison's absences felt recently, while Son Heung-Min's form continues to be a cause for concern.

Edwards was previously likened to Lionel Messi by Mauricio Pochettino during his time at Spurs, claiming: "The qualities - it's only looks, his body and the way that he plays - remember a little bit from the beginning of Messi." It was his former club that were on the end of such qualities earlier this season too.

Edwards danced from the halfway line all the way to the six-yard box in the Champions League clash against Spurs, only to be denied by Hugo Lloris at point-blank range. If he joins and can replicate that on a regular basis, Tottenham could have a star back in their midst.

READ NEXT:

Bentancur and Kulusevski wait, Spence starts - Tottenham lineups Conte should pick vs Palace

Rodrigo Bentancur injury update could see Antonio Conte use Tottenham wildcard vs Crystal Palace

Daniel Levy's uncomfortable moment and Antonio Conte's rather hypocritical Tottenham request

Every word Antonio Conte said on what he told Daniel Levy and Tottenham and unrealistic dreams

Jamie Redknapp sends warning message to Antonio Conte over £300m Tottenham transfer plea

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.