Bayern Munich forward Mathys Tel has rejected an approach from Tottenham Hotspur but remains a prime target for several Premier League clubs this month, according to multiple reports.
The French forward was initially linked with a move to Chelsea as part of an ambitious swap deal involving Christopher Nkunku. Tel supposedly turned down advances from the Blues as securing first-team football was the driving force behind his increasingly public desire to leave Bayern.
Spurs struck a deal worth €60m (£50m) for Tel with the German giants this week, paving the way for club chairman Daniel Levy to fly out to Bavaria for a face-to-face meeting with the forward and his representatives. Tel’s response was conclusive: no, as reported by Sky Germany and Fabrizio Romano.
Both outlets claim that Tel’s decision does not reflect a change-of-heart. The teenager who has been restricted to just two Bundesliga starts this season is still willing to consider bids from other suitors. Aston Villa, Chelsea and Manchester United have been put forward as interested parties, while Romano also named Arsenal.
Tottenham are one of several clubs thought to be competing for the services of Brighton & Hove Albion striker Evan Ferguson. The Republic of Ireland international is an entirely different profile to Tel, more of a roaming number nine compared to the fleet-footed French forward, and has been riddled with injuries of late.
Ange Postecoglou’s side already have their fair share of fitness issues to deal with – which is largely why the Spurs boss has implored his employers to be decisive in the current window.
Most of Tottenham’s injury absentees are in midfield and defence, with centre-back Radu Dragusin the latest to file into a crowded treatment room during Thursday’s Europa League victory over Swedish outfit Elfsborg.
Postecoglou was able to welcome Micky van de Ven back for his first appearance of the year in that midweek fixture and had a rare burst of good injury news during Friday’s press conference.
The divisive manager revealed that first-choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, left-back Destiny Udogie as well as the forward-thinking quartet of James Maddison, Wilson Odobert, Timo Werner and Brennan Johnson could all be available again within the next two weeks.