TOTTENHAM have reportedly ramped up their efforts to sign Todd Cantwell after the Norwich star helped KO their FA Cup dream.
The 22-year-old has earned rave reviews for his performances this season and has already been eyed by the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool.
According to Football Insider, Spurs have been tracking the midfielder for months with Jose Mourinho ramping up his efforts to sign the star.
Spurs have a track record of signing young players, most recently with the signings of Ryan Sessegnon and Jack Clarke.
And they would be able to offer England Under-21 international Cantwell more game time than runaway Premier League leaders Liverpool.
While United have made his compatriot Jack Grealish their main transfer target this summer following the capture of Bruno Fernandes.
Cantwell, who has previously enjoyed a spell on loan at Fortuna Sittard in Holland, is under contract at Carrow Road until 2021.
Mourinho had the chance to have another look at the Englishman on Wednesday as his side were knocked out of the FA Cup by Daniel Farke’s men on penalties.
However, Cantwell may have some work to do winning the affections of Spurs fans after reminding them that he is a boyhood Arsenal supporter.
The youngster confidently netted in the shootout, playing some keepy-ups before slotting his spot-kick and then shushing the crowd.
But Spurs have been handed a boost by the news that the Canaries’ £30million asking price for Cantwell has reportedly seen Liverpool take a step back.
And Anfield hero Steve McManaman has also questioned whether the Norwich academy graduate is ready to make the grade on Merseyside.
He told HorseRacing.net: “I’m surprised about the rumours linking Todd Cantwell with Liverpool.
“It’s something which could certainly happen in the future, but I don’t think he’s done enough just yet to warrant playing at that kind of level.
“I get the fact that he wants to play at a higher level and is performing well in a struggling Norwich City team, that’s completely understandable – but it would surprise me if Liverpool were very interested in him.
“Liverpool do a lot of their transfer business discreetly. A lot of the other players were bought when we didn’t know it was happening, such as the likes of Alisson Becker and Fabinho, while Virgil Van Dijk was very much the exception.”
Cantwell has featured in all of Norwich’s matches this season, scoring six goals and providing two assists.
