07 August 2023 , 14:01
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Tottenham have been linked with a move for Porto striker and Iran international Mehdi Taremi – whom Rio Ferdinand is helping secure a move to English football.
Taremi has been prolific in Portuguese football but he is out of contract at Porto next summer and the club are willing to listen to offers for the striker this summer. Spurs face an uncertain situation amid ongoing interest in their star striker Harry Kane.
The England captain is out of contract in north London next summer with Bayern Munich pushing for a transfer this year. So far, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has rebuffed all approaches for Kane and insists that he is not for sale – despite the risk of losing him as a free agent next season.
Kane would command a fee of upwards of £80million this summer and Tottenham would be more open to allowing their star player to leave for Bayern rather than a direct Premier League rival. Manchester United were hopeful of a move this summer, before discontinuing their interest.
United were wary that Levy would not countenance negotiations over a possible deal for Kane and have instead moved to sign Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta. However, their interest in the striker may be revived next summer should he not put pen to paper on a new Spurs contract.
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A report in O Jogo has outlined how Spurs hold an interest in signing Taremi, who would stylistically prove to be the same fit as Kane. He is a central striker who holds the line and provides a notable goal threat.
Kane scored four goals for Tottenham against Shakhtar Donetsk on Sunday - but his future remains uncertain (Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images) Have Your Say! What offer should Spurs accept to sell Kane? Tell us what you think here.
Taremi, 30, has bagged 80 goals across three campaigns for Porto – having enjoyed a breakthrough season in European football with Portuguese outfit Rio Ave in the previous campaign. He is also a star for the Iranian national team, with 36 goals in 68 caps.
United legend Rio Ferdinand was reportedly in contact with Taremi's agent last season to help clinch a deal to the Premier League. The striker appears to be on the move away from Portugal this summer – but no firm offers have yet been lodged.
Ferdinand surprised viewers during BBC's coverage of England vs Iran in the World Cup group stage back in November when he made the claim live on air: “I know him quite well. I spoke to him on the phone a few times, he’s a really good guy.”
Presenter Gary Lineker asked in response, appearing to be surprised: “Where do you know him from?” to which a tight-lipped Ferdinand replied: “I just knew him from a bit of business.”
Any move for Taremi is unlikely to be processed until Kane’s future is clarified, but the England international may not be going anywhere this summer. That scenario could see United reactivate their interest next summer – without having to pay a transfer fee.