A few days ago German newspaper Bild opened up a whole bunch of transfer possibilities. In an article covering several Bundesliga clubs, Bild looked at players who could be coming and going, and for Bayern Munich that included Renato Sanches and Douglas Costa.
Manchester United were named as ‘prospective customers’ for both players. Tottenham were mentioned in the article, but not in relation to any Bayern Munich players.
Nevertheless, the Independent believe Spurs want Costa, and use the Bild claims as the basis for an article on the situation. It’s stated that Manchester United remain interested in Sanches, and Tottenham are keen on Costa, and the latter claim must come from the English newspaper’s own sources.
Bild put the price for Costa at ‘more than’ €40m, that’s £35m, but the Independent have rounded it down to £30m, still crediting the German newspaper.
Should Tottenham interest be genuine then it’s fortunate for them that Costa is very likely to be available, as Bild have pointed out repeatedly. What isn’t so fortunate is that the Brazilian seems to be chasing big wages, a problem which didn’t apply so much to Manchester United, but would be an issue for Tottenham.
Bayern have publicly spoken out against the player over the past year, with Uli Hoeness blasting Costa for ‘desperate’ attempts to use the media to get a pay rise.
Wednesday’s edition of Catalan newspaper Sport also stars Costa, on their front page no less. Barcelona are linked with a move for the player, who Sport believe could leave Bayern Munich for just €25m.
Sport cite English reports on Costa’s availability, but those almost certainly come from the original Bild article, showing how a story can move through the European transfer rumour mill.
As for Tottenham, if Hoeness is right, and the Brazilian is a little obsessed with a big pay packet, then White Hart Lane won’t be his destination.
