Tottenham Hotspur will reportedly not have a free run at signing Celtic forward Kyogo Furuhashi this summer.
On Tuesday morning, the Premier League outfit confirmed that they had appointed Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou as their new head coach on a four-year deal.
The 57-year-old will now oversee a wide number of incomings and outgoings as Spurs attempt to regain a top-seven spot in England's top flight as a bare minimum in 2023-24.
With Postecoglou departing a successful side, several of his key players are naturally being linked with a move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
That includes Furuhashi, who finished as the Scottish Premiership's leading marksman and netted 34 goals in all competitions during the most recent campaign.
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Although Celtic remain in a strong position due to the Japan international's contract not expiring until 2026, there is also an acceptance that may now be the right time to cash in on his signature.
Given Postecoglou's admiration of the 28-year-old and his ability to play in a number of roles in the final third, Spurs are expected to push hard for his signature.
However, according to The Sun, a bidding war could ensue with teams from a number of European football's top leagues said to be monitoring any developments.
The report says that Lazio have sent scouts to assess Furuhashi's capabilities, the perception being that the Serie A outfit are now contemplating a bid.
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Clubs from La Liga, the Bundesliga and Ligue 1 also allegedly hold an interest, although it is unclear whether they would be able to match any offers made by Spurs.
Furuhashi is reportedly valued in the region of £20m, a fee that Spurs are likely willing to pay given their over-reliance on Harry Kane last season.
Furthermore, the club's all-time leading goalscorer is being linked with a move elsewhere with chairman Daniel Levy having to make a decision over whether to cash in on a player who has just over a year left on his contract.
While Furuhashi would not be regarded as a like-for-like alternative to Kane, being capable of playing down the centre and on either flank would make him a valuable asset.
Darren Plant
