Barcelona and Bayern Munich are leading the scramble to prise Luka Vuskovic away from Tottenham in the summer.
The 19-year-old central defender has excelled during a loan this season at Hamburg in the Bundesliga.
His performances have attracted interest from many across Europe, including some in the Premier League and Italy’s Serie A.
The Croatia international is thought to be keen on a move away from Spurs whether they escape relegation or not.
Vuskovic has yet to make a competitive appearance for the North London club he joined from Hajduk Split.
He played preseason friendlies last year before then boss Thomas Frank opted to send him on loan to continue his development.
Spurs beat strong opposition to strike a £12million deal for Vuskovic in 2023 but could not formalise the transfer to England until he turned 18 last year.
He was loaned from Hajduk to Radomiak Radom in Poland and then Westerlo in Belgium and this season has been a fixture in defence for Hamburg, making 21 Bundesliga appearances.
Barcelona and Bayern Munich are leading the scramble to prize Luka Vuskovic away from Tottenham in the summer, amid the ongoing threat of relegation from the Premier League
His brother Mario, 24, has also been at Hamburg but is currently serving a ban for doping which ends in November when he is expected to rejoin the club.
Luka has spoken in the past of his desire to play alongside Mario which has fuelled Hamburg’s hopes of keeping the rising star on loan for another year.
The gathering clamour from wealthy and illustrious suitors including Bayern and Barcelona though might force the situation.
Spurs see Vuskovic as one of their prized young assets alongside Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall and see this loan as a vital part of his progress.
They have him under contract until 2030 and will want to keep him but look set to have a fight on their hands.
The ongoing relegation crisis and instability at the top are unlikely to persuade Vuskovic and his representative he is better off remaining in N17 when he could join one of the most successful clubs in Europe.
MATT BARLOW
Freedman a contender for sporting director role
Tottenham have identified Dougie Freedman as a contender to become their new sporting director, as…