Tottenham now reportedly want to sign ‘insane’ 23-year-old likened to Jermain Defoe

Tue 8 November 2022 17:15, UK

Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with Sporting Lisbon’s Marcus Edwards in recent days.

According to Record, Spurs boss Antonio Conte is eyeing the 23-year-old after seeing his quality up close.

Edwards came through the ranks at Tottenham and was considered one of the brightest talents in his age group.

Mauricio Pochettino the youngster to Lionel Messi and tipped him to potentially become a top player.

And on Twitter, there have also been comparisons with , , and .

However, Edwards ended up making just one senior appearance for Tottenham.

In 2019, he decided to embark on a new challenge by joining Vitoria de Guimaraes.

In January this year, Sporting CP signed Edwards from Vitoria, and he already looks ready for another step up.

The young Englishman scored against Spurs in the Champions League in their 1-1 draw at the end of last month.

Edwards gave Tottenham’s defence a host of problems, with Eric Dier saying he’s ‘very talented’.

Better still for Spurs, Sporting could potentially be willing to do business soon.

A Bola – via – recently claim that the Portuguese giants plan to sell him for a sizeable fee.

Apparently, they want a fee on the same level as the likes of Nuno Mendes, Matheus Nunes and Bruno Fernandes.

And only something close to his €60m (£52m) release clause would convince them to negotiate, said the report.

Admittedly, the thought of Tottenham now spending a hefty fee for a player they offloaded might not go down well with some.

Nonetheless, Edwards would certainly be a great shout for Spurs now.

His quality and versatility would mean he could deputise for any of Tottenham’s forward players if called upon.

Edwards’ time in the club’s academy would also mean he’s a home-grown player, allowing them to add foreign signings in other positions if needed.

“I haven’t seen anyone better than him with my own eyes”

Montpellier forward Stephy Mavididi played the former Tottenham man in the England youth ranks.

Earlier this year, asked Mavididi who Gareth Southgate should be watching for the future.

“Marcus Edwards,” replied the . “He is insane.

“Every time someone asks me about this guy, for me, he is one of the top three players I have played with.

“Dribbling, agility, low center of gravity, his change of direction.

“I haven’t seen anyone better than him with my own eyes. The guy is a joke, in the pockets and on the turn.

“He’s in Portugal right now. Last year I think he got seven or eight goals and a couple of assists.

“The year before that he was doing the same and this year he is also looking strong and on for the same numbers.

“He has proven that he can do it and play at a high level. I knew that already myself, but it is up to the world to see that.”