Tottenham Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Max Meyer and Matias Vecino

Tottenham Hotspur's chances of signing Schalke 04 playmaker Max Meyer have reportedly increased with the Bundesliga club close to signing a possible replacement.

A report from French publication Ouest-France (h/t Rob Guest of Football.London) revealed how Schalke are close to signing Nantes attacking midfielder Amine Harit, stating that "the German club are expected to complete the signing of Harit on a four-year contract later today."

The report noted Harit can play centrally or on the left flank, just like Meyer. Guest says Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino has long been keen on Meyer, with a fee already set for the gifted Germany international: "A bid of £17.5million is expected to be enough to secure the signature of Meyer, although Spurs may face competition for the player after some strong displays for Germany in the European U21 Championship."

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Meyer is available for such a reasonable fee after his asking price fell from £39 million last summer because Meyer won't sign a new deal and is out of contract in 2018, according to Simon Burnton of the Guardian.

Whatever his asking price, Meyer has all the qualities Pochettino's team needs in advanced areas. In particular, the 21-year-old boasts vision, excellent technique and a keen eye for goal.

Meyer's versatility should also appeal to a Spurs manager who values fluidity in the final third. Tottenham already have playmakers Christian Eriksen and Dele Alli in the attacking midfield positions.

However, Spurs need more options in forward areas. Depth is questionable, with Georges-Kevin N'Koudou seldom used, while Erik Lamela is still recovering from a hip injury.

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Spurs need extra creativity and more goals to support the Alli and Harry Kane double act next season. Meyer would provide both at what is a bargain price in this market.

Fiorentina Midfielder on Tottenham's Radar

Pochettino isn't just plotting changes at the attacking midfield positions. The Tottenham manager is reportedly also keen on Fiorentina defensive midfielder Matias Vecino, per The Sun (h/t Football Italia).

The reports indicate Pochettino sees Vecino as a possible replacement for Eric Dier, should the England international leave this summer. Dier has been linked with a move worth as much as £50 million to Premier League rivals Manchester United, per Sam Wallace of the Daily Telegraph.

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Uruguay international Vecino has the defensive temperament and positional sense to perform the same role at the base of midfield Dier plays for Spurs. However, Pochettino already has Kenyan powerhouse Victor Wanyama to protect the back four and break up play.

The greater priority should be boosting talent further forward. It means putting a deal for Meyer ahead of any move for Vecino.