Newcastle will not push Tottenham for £14.8m defender but AC Milan might

Tottenham Hotspur are expected to return with an improved offer for a teenage starlet, but a deal will not be easy to complete in January.

Multiple journalists have suggested that a left-sided defender has become a big priority for Spurs in January due to concerns over Destiny Udogie’s constant injury troubles.

It appears that a teenage Brazilian starlet has been identified by the North London club as their top target.

It emerged a couple of days ago that Tottenham had an £8m offer rejected for Santos starlet Souza, who is coming off an impressive debut season in the Brazilian top-flight in 2025.

Tottenham ready to make an improved offer for Souza

Journalist Ben Jacobs has now taken to social media to reveal that the Lilywhites have not admitted defeat in their pursuit of the 19-year-old.

He revealed that Spurs are ready to make an improved bid for Souza after seeing their opening offer sent back by Santos.

However, the journalist reveals that Tottenham are not the only ones chasing the left-back, who is also wanted by the likes of AC Milan.

Jacobs wrote on X: Spurs set to make an improved offer to Santos for Souza after seeing an £8m bid rejected. 19-year-old Brazilian keen to move in January with several European clubs enquiring, including Milan. Newcastle United are not in the mix, despite reports.”

Spurs set to make an improved offer to Santos for Souza after seeing an £8m bid rejected. 19-year-old Brazilian keen to move in January with several European clubs enquiring, including Milan.

Newcastle United are not in the mix, despite reports.????????

???? @edu17burgos pic.twitter.com/PJTIYhhTZS

— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) January 6, 2026

Why signing Souza makes sense for Spurs

According to journalist Lucas Musetti, Santos have asked Tottenham to pay €17m (£14.8m) for 70 per cent of Souza’s economic rights.

It remains to be seen if the North Londoners would be willing to part ways with that kind of money for a player who is coming off just one good season in South America.

However, signing a talented, up-and-coming left-back makes a lot of sense for Spurs, as Udogie is expected to remain first-choice for the time being while Ben Davies looks set to stay until the end of the season.

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