Tottenham Ready to Hijack Manchester United's Transfer Target in Bold Statement Move for Thomas Frank

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly preparing to pursue Crystal Palace standout Eberechi Eze as their first major acquisition under new manager Thomas Frank.

Eze has consistently demonstrated exceptional ability while serving as Palace's attacking focal point. The England midfielder has reached even greater form recently. The 26-year-old playmaker concluded the previous campaign by netting seven times in Palace's last seven fixtures, including the decisive goal in their FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.

This impressive performance has naturally attracted significant attention from Premier League clubs. Manchester United have recently been connected with pursuing Eze, who was considered as a potential partner for newly signed Matheus Cunha in the attacking midfielder positions that operate behind the striker in Ruben Amorim's preferred 3-4-2-1 system.

Nevertheless, Spurs are also reported to hold strong interest in Eze according to The Guardian. The increasingly skilled dribbler might become Frank's inaugural "marquee acquisition." After confirming Mathys Tel's permanent transfer to north London, Tottenham are reportedly close to completing a £5 million ($6.8 million) deal for Japanese defender Kota Takai. Securing Eze would require a significantly higher investment.

Previously, the Daily Mail indicated that Eze's Palace agreement includes a £68 million ($92.6 million) buyout clause that becomes available this summer. Spurs reportedly believe the coveted attacker would be "willing to consider a transfer" within London, despite United's continued interest.

Tottenham require creative offensive additions. Team captain Son Heung-min has been strongly rumored for a summer departure after becoming the first captain since Ledley King to secure silverware for Spurs. Even should the aging forward stay, Frank will likely seek to reduce the burden on a player who just completed his poorest goal-scoring campaign in nine seasons.

There has been increasing talk about a potential move for Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo—another target that Manchester United are reportedly tracking.