Tottenham Hotspur have decided to withdraw from the race to sign Juventus midfielder Samuel Iling-Junior this summer.
Spurs have been monitoring the 20-year-old Englishman over the past season and were close to securing his services in January.
However, according to sources at Football Insider, the Lilywhites are no longer pursuing Iling-Junior, who is now set to join Aston Villa.
The young versatile midfielder is currently in the final year of his contract with Juventus, which lasts until June 30, 2025.
The former Chelsea academy player mostly featured as a substitute under Massimiliano Allegri last season, making 27 appearances across Serie A and the Coppa Italia, scoring 1 goal and providing 2 assists.
Iling-Junior’s potential and talent attracted several Premier League clubs, with Aston Villa emerging as the frontrunner to secure his signature.
The deal is reportedly expected to be finalised in the coming days.
Tottenham’s decision to pull out of the race signifies a shift in their transfer strategy, as they prioritise other targets for the upcoming season.
Juventus initially valued Iling-Junior at around €20 million.
Due to the Italian club’s financial constraints, there was potential for Spurs to negotiate a reduced price. However, the Lilywhites have decided to focus their efforts elsewhere.
For Tottenham, this decision represents a realignment of their transfer plans.
With Iling-Junior off their radar, the club will aim to strengthen their squad with players who better fit their long-term vision and immediate needs as they prepare for the new season under manager Ange Postecoglou.