Tottenham-Kalvin Phillips transfer update: Midfielder 'not a priority'

While Tottenham have previously expressed interest in pursuing Manchester City's Kalvin Phillips, new information from Newcastle World (via Inside Futbol) indicates that the player is "not thought to be among Spurs' priorities." Additionally, the outlet believes "Crystal Palace are understood to have edged ahead of Newcastle United" in their efforts to sign the Englishman.

Spurs aren't just looking for any midfielder, but a solid, defensively-minded footballer to hold down the central area of the pitch while players like James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, and Giovani Lo Celso get farther up the pitch. At present, that player has been either Yves Bissouma or Pape Sarr, and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg can also come on as a soild back-up option (although his passing ability is not up to par with Ange ball).

Oliver Skipp has also been used in the starters' absence, however he's been a lot less reliable on both the defensive and ball-distribution fronts in recent history, as compared with the before-mentioned players.

Joao Gomes, the rising Brazilian currently at Wolverhampton Wanderers, seems to be a CDM target that's conversely interesting the club on many levels. Unlike Phillips, who has only featured in four league matches, Gomes has instead played in 18 this season.

The respective market and club valuations associated with each player are another important consideration for the Tottenham recruitment team.

In recent times, reports have revealed that City are demanding a £7m loan fee for interested clubs, along with an "obligation" to buy at the end of the spell. Transfermarkt currently values the player at £24m, although City could surely raise that price as they see fit. Considering this, a move for Phillips would likely cost more than £31m for a 28-year-old who has barely played across the previous few months.

Alternatively, Tottenham are reportedly submitting a £30m offer for Gomes, a 22-year-old who's seen regular playing time this season and developed into a fine Premier League midfielder with years of potential ahead of him.

While the collapse of a potential Phillips deal might have upset fans months ago, the prospect of snagging Gomes, yet another young talent for Ange to mold and for a lower price at that, seems like a no-brainer decision.

Just two weeks remain to bring in new signings. Expect Spurs to complete at least one more deal before the time runs out. Gomes could very well be the last to join their ranks before the highly-anticipated summer window.