Tottenham Hotspur have moved ahead of Newcastle United in the race to sign Juventus winger Samuel Iling-Junior, according to a report.
Ange Postecoglou's side are allegedly planning to make a January offer for the 20-year-old, who was born in London and began his youth career with Chelsea before joining Juve in September 2020.
Iling-Junior initially impressed for the Italian club's Under-19s side, scoring 14 goals and registering 15 assists in 58 appearances, before making his professional debut for the Serie A outfit in 2022.
After enjoyed a breakthrough season under manager Massimiliano Allegri in 2022-23, featuring 18 times across all competitions, Iling-Junior has since struggled for regular first-team football this term.
Indeed, the winger is yet to start for Juve in any competition this season and has only made five substitute outings, with the likes of Federico Chiesa, Moise Kean, Timothy Weah, Filip Kostic and Andrea Cambiaso all preferred ahead of him in wide areas.
© Reuters
Iling-Junior put pen to paper on a contract extension with Juve in December last year, but he is due to enter the final year of his deal at the end of this season.
The youngster's long-term future is believed to be uncertain, and a recent report claims that Juve may consider selling the England Under-21 international in January if they receive an 'attractive' offer.
As well as Tottenham, Newcastle have been credited with an interest in Iling-Junior, but Football Insider claims that Spurs are 'clear favourites' in the race for the winger's signature.
The report adds that the North Londoners have made Iling-Junior their primary target for the January transfer window and they are prepared to meet Juve's £20m asking price.
© Reuters
While Tottenham are understood to have funds available to spend in the New Year, Newcastle are said to be limited to what they can fork out due to Financial Fair Play regulations.
Postecoglou is believed to be keen to strengthen his options in attack having been hampered with injuries this season, with Manor Solomon, Ryan Sessegnon and Ivan Perisic all currently sidelined with long-term problems.
James Maddison is also in the treatment room at present, while Richarlison has only recently recovered from groin surgery and marked his return to the starting lineup with a brace in the 4-0 home win over Newcastle in the Premier League last weekend.
Son Heung-min is Tottenham's main man in attack, scoring 10 goals and providing four assists in 16 top-flight games this season, while Dejan Kulusevski, Brennan Johnson, Bryan Gil and Alejo Veliz are other attacking options at Postecoglou's disposal.
