Premier League duo raising interest in Scandinavian talent
With both sides facing potential midfield issues this summer, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur will both increase interest in Swedish youngster Rasmus Elm before the end of the current season.
The 23 year-old has been a long-term target for Sir Alex Ferguson but the Scot has so far failed to make good on any scouting missions, reportedly allowing the youngster to mature at a smaller scale.
The decision may have proven well thought too, with Elm making 38 starts for AZ Alkmaar this campaign, scoring on 12 occasions and registering 16 assists.
United’s creativity has sorely lacked a playmaking central midfielder this season after Tom Cleverley missed almost four months of playing time with an ankle injury and although the likes of Ryan Giggs, Michael Carrick and Anderson have all put in their shift in the position, the Premier League champions have long been protracted to sign a central superstar.
Wesley Sneijder was of course being linked with a move to Old Trafford last summer as well as in the winter transfer window, however Elm would certainly prove the more economical target as well as having a substantially longer shelf life and sell-on value.
Tottenham could also have a problem or two when the current campaign comes to a close and much of the side’s immediate future will depend on who is managing the side in July.
Harry Redknapp has obviously been associated with the vacant England managerial role and should he take the FA up on their expected offer, stars such as Luka Modric and Rafael van der Vaart may not find themselves playing for the North London side next season.
Van der Vaart has already been involved in transfer speculation with regards to a summer departure but Redknapp is reportedly one particularly strong lynchpin keeping Modric at White Hart Lane.
The Croatian star is being chased by some of Europe’s biggest clubs, including United, but Chelsea seem the most likely suitors for his signature should he become disillusioned with Spurs’ future success.
Elm is apparently being courted by numerous European clubs but the Swedish international could finally make the move from the Eredivisie to the English top flight this summer if either United or Spurs choose to meet his £12m valuation.
