Tottenham open talks to hijack rival’s deal to sign £34m star as Frank continues rebuild
Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly initiated contact with Manchester City regarding the availability of versatile defender Rico Lewis, according to fresh reports from Caught Offside.
The North London club appear determined to hijack Nottingham Forest’s pursuit of the England U21 international as Thomas Frank looks to add quality depth to his squad before the transfer window closes.
The 20-year-old academy product has emerged as one of the most intriguing young talents in the Premier League, capable of operating both at right-back and in central midfield.
Lewis showcased his potential during City’s dominant 4-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers in their season opener, registering an assist while maintaining a clean sheet from his right-back position.
His performance demonstrated exactly why multiple top-flight clubs are vying for his signature.
Rico Lewis Transfer Situation
| Club | Offer Status | Player Preference |
|---|---|---|
| Nottingham Forest | £26m bid rejected | Open to move |
| Tottenham Hotspur | Initial enquiries made | Yet to decide |
| Chelsea | Monitoring situation | Unknown |
| Newcastle United | Interested | Unknown |
| Aston Villa | Interested | Unknown |
Forest had appeared closest to securing Lewis’s services after submitting a £26 million package including add-ons, but City swiftly rejected the proposal as they value the homegrown talent closer to £34 million.
Despite the setback, Forest remain persistent in negotiations, though Tottenham’s sudden entry into the race complicates matters significantly.
For Spurs, Lewis represents an ideal long-term investment who could provide immediate competition for Pedro Porro at right-back while offering midfield cover.
His technical proficiency and tactical intelligence align perfectly with Frank’s preferred style of play, which emphasizes ball retention and positional fluidity.
The youngster’s versatility would be particularly valuable during a congested fixture schedule that includes European competition.
Lewis’s statistical profile from last season illustrates why he’s in such high demand:
Rico Lewis 2023/24 Premier League Performance
| Metric | Per 90 | Percentile vs Fullbacks |
|---|---|---|
| Pass completion | 91.9% | 92nd |
| Progressive passes | 6.03 | 89th |
| Tackles won | 1.89 | 75th |
| Interceptions | 1.43 | 82nd |
| Successful take-ons | 1.67 | 84th |
These numbers reveal a player who excels in possession while maintaining defensive solidity – qualities that would translate well to Tottenham’s system.
His ability to invert into midfield could also provide Frank with additional tactical flexibility, allowing the Danish manager to experiment with hybrid formations.
The potential acquisition forms part of Tottenham’s broader late-window strategy that also includes pursuing Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze and Manchester City winger Savinho.
While Lewis may not command the same headlines as those attacking targets, his signing could prove equally impactful in the long term.
City’s reluctance to sell stems from Lewis’s status as a homegrown player and his potential to develop into a first-team regular under Pep Guardiola.
However, with first-team opportunities potentially limited this season, the youngster may push for a move guaranteeing regular minutes ahead of Euro 2024.
Tottenham’s interest remains in the preliminary stages, with the club currently gathering information about the feasibility of a deal rather than submitting a formal bid.
However, their presence in negotiations increases the likelihood of a bidding war developing between several ambitious Premier League sides.
For Forest, losing out to Tottenham would represent another transfer setback after missing out on several targets this summer.
Nuno Espírito Santo sees Lewis as crucial to implementing his preferred tactical system, making Spurs’ intervention particularly frustrating for the Midlands club.
As the September 1 deadline approaches, this transfer saga bears watching. Lewis possesses the technical foundation and footballing intelligence to thrive under Frank’s guidance, while Tottenham can offer European football and a clearer pathway to regular starts.
Whether Daniel Levy is prepared to meet City’s valuation remains the decisive factor in determining if this potential deal progresses beyond the enquiry stage.
One thing is certain – Rico Lewis’s future will be one of the more intriguing subplots as the transfer window reaches its climax, with Tottenham now firmly in the picture for a player who could solidify their defense for years to come.