Tottenham want to sign a “special” Man City player who Pep Guardiola rates very highly, with the man in question thought to be keen on an exit from Eastlands when the summer transfer window reopens.

Tottenham battle Man United for Europa League after tough seasons

After cruising past Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League semi-finals, Spurs now face Premier League rivals Man United in the Europa League final – where both sides will be battling to save their respective seasons.

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Los Blancos are convinced he’s the best available on the market in his position.

Ange Postecoglou has led the Lilywhites to a dismal 19 league defeats this campaign, equalling the club’s record for most Premier League losses in a single season, with United suffering from a similar run of form.

The Red Devils are 15th in the league and winless in their last five encounters, but their fortunes are drastically different in Europe, having just impressively knocked Athletic Bilbao out in the semis with a 7-1 aggregate win over the La Liga side.

Now, either team could end their regrettable 2024/25 campaigns on a major high with silverware on a spot in next season’s Champions League group draw on the line.

“Who cares if we’re struggling in the league? Why is that important? If it’s so easy to get to a final, then why doesn’t everyone who finishes in the top three do it?” said Postecoglou on Tottenham and United’s critics ahead of the final in Bilbao later this month.

“It’s a separate thing. It’s got nothing to do with league form. We understand our league form hasn’t been great.

“We understand the struggles we’ve had. A lot of them are because of the situation we’ve been in. But how that diminishes the achievement of getting to a final.

“Like I said, this club and others have finished in first, second or third in the Premier League, and haven’t made finals. Why should that be diminished? I couldn’t care less who’s struggling and who’s not. I think both us and Manchester United have earned the right to be there.”

Tottenham eyeing move for Man City attacker James McAtee

Winning the competition and confirming their place in the Champions League next term will also play a key role in attracting desired transfer targets, and one of them is believed to be Man City playmaker James McAtee.

McAtee has attracted interest from Nottingham Forest and other sides ahead of the summer, with The Boot Room and journalist Graeme Bailey reporting that Spurs are also in the mix for his signature.

Overall, the Englishman has struggled to stake his claim as a regular in Guardiola’s starting elevens, which is hard to do, but McAtee has still impressed when given the opportunity – scoring seven goals in all competitions.

Bailey reports that Tottenham are keen on signing McAtee this summer, and the 22-year-old is eager to pursue more game time away from the Etihad.

While Guardiola hasn’t quite found enough room for the ex-Sheffield United star, he’s still lavished McAtee with praise when it comes to ability.

“I am so happy for him, he is a special player. A hat-trick is not easy,” said Guardiola about McAtee earlier this term, after a hat-trick against Salford City in the FA Cup.

“He has an incredible sense in front of goal, he has the right tempo, he changed the rhythm to score, and I am very happy for him.”