Tottenham handed huge transfer boost as Barcelona ‘prefer to sell star midfielder to Premier League’ than anywhere else
TOTTENHAM have received a boost in their pursuit of Barcelona midfielder Franck Kessie, according to reports.
The 26-year-old only joined the Catalan giants on a free transfer after his AC Milan deal expired last summer.
He is under contract until 2026 at the Nou Camp but has struggled for game time with the LaLiga champions.
Kessie started just seven league games last season, contributing one goal and one assist.
He was largely used as an impact substitute by manager Xavi.
Rumours first started that he could be leaving Barcelona back in October – but his agent quickly slammed them as “fake news”.
However, Spurs are known to be long-term admirers of Kessie and allegedly had a £13m bid rejected prior to the January transfer window.
Juventus are also interested in the midfielder.
Now, though, Spurs have been handed some good news as they continue to monitor his situation.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona would rather sell him to a Premier League club.
BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
A switch to Juventus seems unlikely given the Italian giants are keen to seal a loan move.
Kessie has also turned down a transfer to Saudi Arabia as he wants to stay in Europe.
Spurs have already signed keeper Guglielmo Vicario in the summer transfer window.
And they have also acquired playmaker James Maddison from Leicester – who stunned fans with his crooning during his initiation.
TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and confirmed switches from the world of football