OGC Nice were one of the surprise packages of 2016-17 season where they finished third in Ligue1 and qualified for Champions League. This had a spiraling effect as some of its star players came under the lens of top European clubs. One such player is the 20-year-old winger Vincent Marcel.
The youngster made just 10 appearances for the French club last season but has received interest from Palermo in Italy. However, as reported recently, the Serie B club is facing competition from Spurs (Media Gol). Palermo owner Maurizio Zamparini had already made a €3million bid which was promptly dismissed by Nice.
This is not the first time that Spurs were reported to be interested in the youngster. Last month, there were reports in France that indicated that coach Mauricio Pochettino is interested in Marcel and has picked him up on a five-year-contract (Foot Mercato).
However, those reports proved to be just rumours, although the interest from Spurs is now concrete. The club officials remarked that they have not received a bid from Spurs, contradicting the reports, and thus evoking Palermo’s interest.
Not that Tottenham would not be interested in the player. The club is currently looking at first-team regulars – both in and out. Kyle Walker has made a move to Manchester City while question marks over the future of Eric Dier and the replacements for Eric Lamela are keeping the club officials engaged.
Marcel will be an investment for the future. The French youngster too is interested in moving to England as he sees better opportunities for development.
That could be one of the reasons why Marcel chose to shun the interest of Palermo. Moving to Serie B is not a step in the right direction even if it means more first-team opportunities. With Nice having qualified for Champions League, there is a prospect of more games in the upcoming season which means increased opportunities for fringe players.
Spurs offer a great chance for Marcel as Pochettino is well known for his love of giving chances to younger players. We may not see a bid immediately but expect Spurs to follow-up on Marcel.
