Report: Tottenham in Talks to Hijack Nottingham Forest’s Deal
Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly entered discussions in an attempt to hijack Nottingham Forest’s pursuit of Manchester City starlet Rico Lewis, according to a report from Caught Offside.
The North London outfit kicked off their Premier League campaign with a convincing 3-0 victory over newly-promoted Burnley, bouncing back in style after their disappointing UEFA Super Cup defeat against Paris Saint-Germain. Richarlison was the standout performer on the day, netting a brace, while Brennan Johnson added a third. The Brazilian forward, in particular, looked sharp and close to his best form, offering Thomas Frank plenty of encouragement going forward.
With just over two weeks remaining in the summer transfer window, Spurs are determined to strengthen their squad further. Manager Frank has already been linked with ambitious moves for high-profile talents, including Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze and Manchester City winger Savinho, who is seen as a potential long-term replacement for Son Heung-min.
Now, in addition to Savinho, Tottenham appear to have set their sights on another of City’s highly-rated youngsters – versatile defender-midfielder Rico Lewis. The 20-year-old has attracted strong interest from several Premier League clubs, with Nottingham Forest leading the chase. Chelsea, Newcastle United, and Aston Villa are also monitoring the situation closely.
Nottingham Forest’s Strong Interest
Forest, under Nuno Espírito Santo, have already tabled a formal offer of around £26 million including bonuses. However, Manchester City are reluctant to let the player leave and have so far rejected their advances. Despite this setback, Forest remain persistent and continue to hold discussions with both City and the player’s representatives in a bid to get a deal over the line.
Tottenham Enter the Race
Tottenham, sensing an opportunity, have now initiated talks with Pep Guardiola’s side to explore the possibility of signing Lewis themselves. Although their approach at this stage has been more of an enquiry than a formal bid, the move signals Spurs’ intention to step in and potentially derail Forest’s negotiations.
Lewis, currently valued at around £34 million by Transfermarkt, is regarded as one of the most gifted young players to emerge from Manchester City’s academy in recent years. Known for his composure, technical ability, and tactical intelligence, he is capable of playing both as a right-back and as a central midfielder – a versatility that would be highly valuable to Tottenham’s evolving squad.
A Bright Start to the Season
The youngster has already demonstrated his quality at the start of the new campaign. He featured in City’s opening Premier League fixture against Wolves, starting at right-back in a 4-0 win. Not only did he help his side keep a clean sheet, but he also registered an assist, underlining his ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch.
What Next for Spurs?
For Tottenham, the pursuit of Lewis represents both an investment in youth and an effort to build depth in key areas. If secured, his signing would provide immediate competition for places while also strengthening the long-term future of the club. However, with multiple clubs circling and City reluctant to part ways with the player, it remains to be seen whether Spurs will escalate their interest into a concrete bid.
The coming days could prove decisive, as Nottingham Forest continue to push hard, while Tottenham weigh up whether to officially test City’s resolve. For now, Rico Lewis remains one of the most sought-after young prospects in English football – and Spurs may just be the latest club trying to secure his signature before the transfer window slams shut.