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Sunderland man’s Marseille switch frees Spurs up to land Belgian

| 01.02.2016

Steven Fletcher is on his way to Marseille to discuss a potential move to the Ligue 1 outfit. The Scot, who has scored four times in 16 Premier League games for the Black Cats this season, will seal his move across the Channel should he manage to agree personal terms and pass a medical.

While that in itself is likely to go down as one of transfer deadline day’s stranger deals, it could serve to aid Tottenham in their pursuit of current L’OM top dog, Michy Batshuayi.

The young Belgian striker has been linked with a host of Premier League clubs as the January window creaked to a close. Newcastle and Stoke have both been mentioned as potential suitors, although it seems unlikely the 22-year-old would pick either outfit over an ever-improving Spurs squad.

Mauricio Pochettino’s need for a backup striker for Harry Kane is well publicised and Saido Berahino and Batshuayi have been touted as the two leading candidates for the role.

West Brom have remained steadfast in their refusal to allow Berahino to leave, so Fletcher’s arrival at Marseille could be just the trigger the Lilywhites need to snap up Batshuayi.

In stepping into Andre-Pierre Gignac’s shoes this season, the front man has netted 12 times in 23 Ligue 1 games for the Stade Velodrome club, becoming a sought-after young prospect in European footballing circles as a result.

Spurs remain heavily in pursuit of a top four spot this season and are rated 1/3 to land one of those positions come the end of the season. With an outside shot at the Premier League title too at odds of 8/1, Batshuayi could provide the additional squad depth Pochettino needs to maintain those challenges.

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Author

Matt Wiggins

No idyllic sound comes close to leather on willow for Matt, whose previous experience includes stints with Spin Magazine and Surrey County Cricket Club. It's not just cricket that interests him though, with football, golf, tennis and any American sport not played on ice all high on his list of favourites.