Mourinho Eyeing Beating Barca to Algeria’s Atal’s Signing

Tottenham’s new gaffer Jose Mourinho has his sights on snapping up Youcef Atal as his prime signing when the transfer window re-opens.

The Portuguese coach joined the London outfit replacing Mauricio Pochettino and is set about putting his print on the Spurs team and views Youcef Atal as integral in the rebuilding process.

The 23-year-old right-back is one of the most in-demand defenders in the market and is understood to be receptive to the idea of swapping the French Ligue 1 for the English Premier League.

Atal moved to Nice on a reported €800,000 fee, rising to €3m in add-ons in the event of a future sale.

Aware of their Algerian prized possession’s soaring value, the French outfit have slapped a €25m price tag aimed at warding off overtures abroad.

However, that has not put off the caliber of Mourinho, who, reports monitored in the English media say, has listed Youcef top on his wish-list when the transfer window opens.

An erstwhile Kortijik acquisition, the North African has featured ten times this campaign, nine of those as a starter, showing his invaluable role in Nice’s back-line.

Nice’s board are expected to put up a solid fight to retain The Desert Foxes’ man at least till the end of the season with a deal running until June 2023.

Barcelona have shown interest but Mourinho’s Tottenham are tipped favorites to prise away the right-back.