Rayan has emerged as one of the most promising talents in Brazilian football and his performances haven't gone unnoticed by some of the Premier League's heavy hitters. Tottenham have now emerged as the favourites to sign the teenage forward, who has also attracted interest from Chelsea, Liverpool and Aston Villa. However, it's Spurs who are the frontrunners for the 19-year-old.
Getty Images SportRayan continuing to shine for Vasco
Rayan has established himself as a key man for Brazilian giants Vasco da Gama having recently bagged a brace in a 4-3 victory over Vitoria. The talented teen has now scored nine league goals this season and has been tipped to make his senior Brazil debut before long.
Vasco are reluctant to lose their prized asset but are aware of significant interest from top European sides looking to bolster their frontline. Chelsea and Liverpool have previously been linked with a move for Rayan but a recent report now suggests that Tottenham are the favourites to sign the versatile forward.
The Brazilian side believe Rayan will leave before the end of the year and according to Portuguese publication O Dia, will demand €30m (£26m) in order to come to the negotiating table. However, it's also reported that Vasco will accept €20m up front with a further €5m in add-ons.
AdvertisementSpurs would face competition for Rayan
Tottenham have since emerged as frontrunners to sign Rayan from Vasco and are believed to be willing to offer the full €30m up front in order to secure his services. The north London side have been monitoring the for months now and sent scouts to watch the 19-year-old earlier this year.
Spurs, though, would face competition from a number of Premier League rivals for Rayan, with Aston Villa among those keeping tabs on the forward. Barcelona, Zenit, Chelsea and Nottingham Forest have also been credited with an interest in the forward.
In a fresh twist, Vasco are also believed to be keen on extending Rayan's current contract in a bid to raise his €40m (£35m) release clause and strengthen their hold on the talented Brazilian. Journalist Jorge Nicola has reported that Vasco president Pedrinho is working to tie the player down to a new deal.
Getty Images SportSpurs announced cash injection on Thursday
Tottenham have money to spend in the New Year after the club injected £100m of capital into the club. Majority shareholders, the Lewis Family, are prepared to back the north London side financially as they look to witness long-term success on the field.
"We are pleased to announce that our majority shareholder, the Lewis family trust, has, through ENIC Sports & Development Holdings Ltd (“ENIC”), injected £100 million of new capital into the Club," a statement read on Tottenham's official website on Thursday.
"This equity injection will further strengthen the Club’s financial position and equip the Club’s leadership team with additional resources to continue the focus on driving long-term sporting success. This additional capital is part of the Lewis family’s ongoing commitment to the Club and its future."
'The Lewis family are also ambitious for the future'
On the cash injection, non-executive chairman Peter Charrington said: "As I stated a few weeks ago, our focus is on stability and empowering the management team to deliver on the Club’s ambitions. I know the Lewis family are also ambitious for the future.
"Today’s capital commitment reflects that ambition and I would like to thank them for their ongoing support. We will continue to do all we can to ensure that Vinai and his team are supported in the best way possible to take this Club forward."
The injection comes after a third prospective buyer confirmed no intention to bid for the Premier League side. An American consortium led by former DJ Brooklyn Earick had previously made an informal expression of interest to buy Tottenham, which was "unequivocally rejected" by the Spurs board.
Spurs currently sit third in the Premier League, two points behind rivals Arsenal, after their 2-1 win over Leeds prior to the international break. Spurs return to domestic duties as they welcome Aston Villa next weekend.