Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has remained tight-lipped about the prospect of signing striker Dominic Solanke from English Premier League rivals Bournemouth.
But despite the Australian manager’s reticence, groundwork on the deal is being put in place.
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola admitted on Friday that “talks are ongoing” regarding Solanke’s potential move to the London club.
“Right now he is our player,” Iraola said. “That is what I know. I cannot tell you much more.
“For us, Dom is a very, very important player. But I cannot tell you how this is going to finish.
“He gives us much more than goals. He is very complete, he helps us in all the phases of the game. He would be a big miss, obviously.
“He scored a lot of goals, but if this happens, it has happened in other positions. We have to trust the people inside the club. I am sure they will be ready.”
Postecoglou ducked questions relating to Solanke at a media conference on Friday but he acknowledged on the club’s recent pre-season tour that the striker department was the “thinnest” area of his squad.
Solanke, who has played one match for England and who has also had stints at Chelsea and Liverpool, missed Bournemouth’s win over Rayo Vallecano in a friendly on Sunday with a minor foot injury, which only served to heighten scrutiny over his future.
Bournemouth owner Bill Foley has said that Solanke’s current deal, which runs to 2027, includes a release clause in the region of $126 million.