Tottenham 'open Ivan Perisic talks' after making permanent Gareth Bale transfer decision

Tottenham signed Gareth Bale on loan from Real Madrid in the summer.

Posted Saturday, January 09, 2021 by Express.co.uk

Tottenham are ready to ramp up their efforts to sign Ivan Perisic on loan this January with Jose Mourinho a huge fan. It follows their decision to keep Gareth Bale but also on a temporary basis, over a permanent transfer from Real Madrid.

Spurs are interested in doing business this January with Mourinho gunning down the Premier League title.

The Portuguese manager has been tasked with bringing silverware to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and has made huge progress this campaign.

They will take on Manchester City for the Carabao Cup trophy, a competition Mourinho has won four times out of four finals.

To do so, Tottenham are looking at potential arrivals with one player high on The Special One's shortlist.

Tottenham are looking to sign Ivan Perisic on loan

Perisic has long been held by Mourinho as a top target, at both Spurs and Manchester United, but he could not land his man at the Red Devils.

However, a deal is possible now with the Croatia international not a key player under Antonio Conte.

He has started just 11 times in 21 outings and, as a winger, does not fit into his 3-5-2 formation.

According to Foot Mercato, talks are already underway between the clubs over a potential loan deal until the end of the season.

Mourinho was blown away by Perisic's efforts last season for Bayern Munich, where he helped them to a Champions League title.

The 31-year-old scored eight and assisted 10 for the Bavarians as they landed a treble of trophies.

If a deal is pulled off, it could spell danger for Bale - who has struggled since his grand return to Tottenham in the summer.

After signing a loan move from Real Madrid, the Welshman proved a marquee signing for Spurs after going back to the club he left in 2013.

But injuries have been harsh to the forward and he has managed just one start in the Premier League.

However, the north London club are still keen to keep hold of the 31-year-old when the season ends - though they want to complete another season-long loan.

And Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher believes Spurs need more from Bale to make sure of Champions League qualification this season.

"I do not believe Spurs will win the title," wrote in The Telegraph earlier this month.

"They were too negative in recent games against Crystal Palace and Wolves, and that cost them points.

"Jose blamed the players. I don’t buy that. It is how he plays. But they will be closer and more competitive in games against the rest of the top six.