Tottenham Hotspur are on the verge of sealing the deal for highly-rated midfielder Moussa Dembele, after the North London club agreed a fee with Fulham, while the Cottagers are closing in on Kieran Richardson from Sunderland.
A club spokesman revealed a fee had been agreed for the talented playmaker, after Spurs matched his release clause, believed to be around £15 million ($23.7 million). Dembele has started the season really well for Fulham, particularly catching the eye in their 3-2 loss to Manchester United.
Martin Jol had earlier expressed his hope of retaining Dembele, saying it would take a massive bid for the club to consider selling their prized asset.
However, with Spurs ready to offer the big amount, for a player, who has just one year left on his contract, Fulham had no choice but to agree to sell. Dembele underwent a medical Tuesday night, and will look to fill the gap left by Luka Modric, who signed for Real Madrid earlier this week for £30 million ($47.4 million).
Dembele is expected to be the first of a number of big-name signings at White Hart Lane, with French international goalkeeper Hugo Lloris expected to seal his move from Lyon, if personal terms can be agreed upon; Spurs already having a bid of around £13 million ($20.5 million) accepted.
Spurs still retain their interest in Shakhtar Donetsk winger Willian, with the Croatian club turning down a bid of £11.8 million ($18.6 million). Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is still confident of completing the signing and expects the Brazilian international to move to White Hart Lane by Friday.
Meanwhile, Sunderland have agreed a fee for Richardson, with the player expected to complete his move to Fulham Wednesday. Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill confirmed the club had accepted a bid for the left-sided player.
"A club has made an offer for him today and we, as a club, have accepted that, and it gives Kieran the opportunity to find out for himself," O'Neill said. "If it doesn't materialise and he comes back, I'll still be pleased, but it's a position we might have to go and have a look at."
