Bayern Munich striker Mathys Tel has reportedly performed a stunning transfer U-turn and is on the brink of joining Tottenham Hotspur on loan for the rest of the season.
The 19-year-old is understood to have rejected a move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium earlier in the window, despite Spurs chairman Daniel Levy flying to Munich to hold face-to-face talks.
After Tottenham were seemingly out of the running, Tel was expected to make the move to either Manchester United or Arsenal, and the Red Devils were believed to be his preference.
However, negotiations with Ruben Amorim's men allegedly collapsed on Sunday, and even though Arsenal briefly explored a deal, the Gunners ultimately decided against firming up their interest.
As a result, Tel was ostensibly resigned to staying at Bayern Munich for the remainder of the season, despite communicating his desire to leave the Bundesliga giants before the Monday transfer deadline.
Tel 'flying to England' for Tottenham medical
© Imago
In a shock turn of events, though, journalist Florian Plettenberg claims that the former Rennes protege has now given the green light to a transfer to Spurs and is now on his way to the English capital.
Plettenberg adds that Tel will join Ange Postecoglou's team on loan with no option or obligation to buy, and he is set to undergo his medical with the Premier League outfit imminently.
The final details of the teenager's temporary switch to the Lilywhites are supposedly yet to be ironed out, but there are virtually no doubts that he will be a Tottenham player by the time the window slams shut.
Fellow journalist Julien Laurens claims that a conversation with Postecoglou himself was key to Tel changing his mind, as the Tottenham boss successfully sold his project to the Frenchman after Levy failed to do so.
Tel will follow Kevin Danso and Antonin Kinsky to North London as Spurs' third signing of the January window, but the club are not believed to be pursuing a deal for Chelsea's Axel Disasi before the deadline.
What will Tel bring to Tottenham after transfer U-turn?
© Imago
Never a dull day on deadline day is there? Where Levy seemingly failed, Postecoglou succeeded, and it looks like the Australian's attacking ranks will be strengthened by a versatile, physically imposing option.
Tel has hardly pulled up trees in the current campaign - only registering one assist from 14 matches and failing to find the back of the net once - but 10 of his 14 appearances have been as a substitute.
Equally competent on the left wing and as a central striker, Tel stands at 6ft tall and could act as a direct replacement for the injured Dominic Solanke or captain Son Heung-min, who has appeared tired at points this season.
Never afraid to have a crack at goal, Tel ranks in the 93rd percentile for shots per 90 against all other wingers/attacking midfielders from Europe's big five leagues over the past year, in addition to ranking in the top 2% for successful take-ons.
An effervescent, pacy winger who has been heralded for his movement in the final third, Tel is also a force to be reckoned with in the air, suggesting that he can operate both as Tottenham's target man in the centre and chief creator from the left.
Ben Knapton
