Tottenham Hotspur Target Ivorian Star as Potential Successor to Brennan Johnson

Tottenham Hotspur are said to be lining up an Ivorian prospect and a young Manchester City attacker as they plan for life after Brennan Johnson, who is expected to leave after a £35 million deal was agreed.

Despite having several options in attack, Spurs have struggled to find a consistent solution on the left flank this season. Players such as Randal Kolo Muani, Xavi Simons, Wilson Odobert and Johnson have all been used there at different times. However, the club are now ready to move on from the Welshman, having reached an agreement with Crystal Palace for his sale, subject to Johnson giving the green light.

BBC Sport journalist Sami Mokbel has backed up the reports, explaining that although Johnson’s exit is not yet finalised, Tottenham are already working on bringing in a new attacker who could replace him.

Two names on Spurs’ radar are RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande and Manchester City youngster Savinho. Tottenham were strongly interested in Savinho during the summer window, but Pep Guardiola was determined to keep him at City.

Diomande, meanwhile, has attracted interest from multiple clubs after recording seven goals and four assists this season. The 19-year-old is currently representing Ivory Coast at the Africa Cup of Nations, where his country sit top of their group, and his performances have caught the eye.

If Ivory Coast progress deep into the tournament, Diomande would not return to Leipzig until late January, although his future continues to generate plenty of discussion. Tottenham face competition for his signature from Manchester United and Liverpool, though any move may be delayed.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has praised the youngster, saying: “Yan Diomande, winger at RB Leipzig, is performing very well at the AFCON. He has pace, strong dribbling ability and huge potential. Manchester United and Tottenham have both sent scouts to watch him, with several clubs tracking him closely.” Leipzig, having strengthened their finances through major summer sales, may opt to keep him for another year, but Diomande remains one to watch.

Elsewhere, Bayern Munich are reported to have made informal checks on a key Tottenham player, while Crystal Palace are stepping up their pursuit of another Spurs forward. At the same time, links between Tottenham and Leon Goretzka have been dismissed, with sources pointing to an intervention from Vincent Kompany.