Tottenham are in advanced talks with Bournemouth with their nets fast closing in on the record signing of Dominic Solanke, as the Bournemouth striker himself is eager to lead the frontline for Ange Postecoglou for the upcoming season.
After slouching around all summer Spurs have now made a formal approach for the 26-year-old Bournemouth frontman after putting foot to the pedal in their pursuit of a new center-forward, with the two clubs now actively engaged in discussions to finalise a statement transfer.
As a spin-off, Liverpool stand to profit from any potential deal being successfully brokered as they are due a 20 per cent cut of any profit the Cherries make from the impending sale, after Solanke moved to the Vitality Stadium in 2019 from Anfield for an initial £19million plus add-ons, though it is currently unclear whether Spurs are poised to trigger his £65m release clause. Should they manage to reach that figure, it would surpass the club-record £63m fee paid to Lyon for flop midfielder Tanguy Ndombele.
The understanding now is that Bournemouth have now reluctantly agreed to sell Solanke to Spurs, albeit with a package is yet to have been finalised, and are preparing to move on without last season’s top goalscorer after he netted 19 Premier League goals and an impressive 21 in all competitions.
Admittedly some quarters Bournemouth have shown their frustration Spurs for having made them have wait all summer to formalise their interest, as the 2024-25 season kicks off in just a week’s time. The club had always been well aware they were at risk of losing the player anytime but optimism had been maintained in the boardroom in recent weeks that Solanke would not be leaving, as relayed by owner Bill Foley.
England international Solanke has apparently indicated his openness to the move during private talks with the Cherries but has maintained his professionalism throughout Bournemouth’s pre-season preparations.
A broad agreement on personal terms is now believed to be in place between the striker and Spurs.