A PHOTO has emerged of Gedson Fernandes at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last month – rubbishing some claims he is a panic buy.
The Benfica midfielder, 21,has undergone a medical at Spurs ahead of an 18-month loan deal.
Gedson Fernandes (3rd Right) pictured with his father Edeson (1st Right) at Tottenham’s clash with Chelsea last monthCredit: Instagram
Gedson Fernandes is close to sealing his move from Benfica to TottenhamCredit: PA:Empics Sport
He had been targeted by West Ham, but it is now set to become Jose Mourinho’s first signing for the North London side.
It had been claimed super-agent Jorge Mendes offered Fernandes to Tottenham after Moussa Sissoko’s injury earlier this month.
However, a snap has surfaced on Twitter allegedly showing Fernandes and his father in attendance to watch Spurs in their 2-0 home defeat to Chelsea on December 22.
And that would suggest that a move for the Portuguese international had been in the offing for several weeks – rather than simply in reaction to Tottenham’s injury problems.
The north London outfit are currently without Sissoko – possibly until the end of the season – and also have Tanguy Ndombele sidelined.
Mourinho, also a client of agent Mendes, refused to confirm yesterday whether the transfer was nearly finalised.
He said: “I am waiting for news.”
“I don’t want to talk about a Benfica player.”
Spurs are believed to have the option to buy Fernandes permanently when his loan deal expires in 2021.
His arrival will provide a huge boost to Mourinho and Spurs.
In addition to Sissoko and Ndombele being out, they are also dealing with the absence of talisman Harry Kane who is expected to be out until at least April.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk