Tottenham are said to have rejected on the opportunity to sign a former Celtic forward in order to complete a deal for Brennan Johnson on transfer deadline day.
Spurs completed a £47.5 million deal to sign Johnson from Nottingham Forest on the final day of the transfer window, after pursuing the Wales international throughout the summer.
Johnson was identified by Ange Postecoglou as one of the brightest talents in British football, who is ideal for his system and style of play in north London.
However, the Australian may have taken a different route by rejoining with a former Celtic player.
According to transfer source Graeme Bailey, Tottenham were made aware that Saudi club Al Ittihad had made forward Jota available, with Postecoglou being offered the chance to reunite with the Portuguese winger.
Bailey, on the other hand, believes the north London club has a true treasure in Johnson.
“He’s a great signing,” Bailey said on the Talking Transfers Podcast.
“It’s clear that Ange wanted this type of player, and they were also offered Jota, who may be returning from Saudi Arabia soon.”
“I believe Johnson is an incredible player who will quickly become a fan favorite there.”
Johnson poised for Spurs starting role
Johnson is set to make his Tottenham debut following the international break against Sheffield United on September 16.
The major question is where he will slot into the Spurs lineup, which may have been answered during the weekend at Burnley.
Son Heung-min started ahead of Richarlison as a central striker, with Manor Solomon and Dejan Kulusevski in wide attacking roles.
Because Son scored a hat-trick, Postecoglou will almost certainly keep the South Korean in that role in the future, allowing the way for Johnson to assume one of the larger roles – most likely ahead of Solomon.
The only question now is which of the two right-wingers starts on the left against the Blades.