Tottenham Hotspur have jumped the queue and are favorites to sign Southampton defender Cedric Soares according to bookmakers BetVictor. The 25-year-old has been linked consistently with Chelsea but it looks like Spurs are the new favourites. Online bookmakers BetVictor certainly think so and have made the Lilywhites as 2/1 favorites to sign him before the transfer deadline.

I know it irks but we still are the only Premier League side yet to make any signing this transfer window. There are murmurs doing rounds that chairman Daniel Levy is not willing to sanction sales, considering the amount of money going into the construction of the new stadium.

However, the club has money to spend following the sale of Kyle Walker to Manchester City for a fee in excess of £50million. The injury to Kieran Trippier meant that youngster Kyle Walker-Peters had to deputise as the right-back against Newcastle for the season opener.

Does that lead us to Soares? Possible, but reports from The Telegraph indicated that Chelsea would be willing to make a £20million bid to provide competition for Victor Moses. However, according to the bookmakers, Mauricio Pochettino’s side are placed better than Chelsea.

A Very Impressive Performer

Soares has been one of the most impressive performers for the Saints over the last couple of seasons. His abilities over the 2016/17 campaign at both ends of the campaign raised his profile, catching the eye of top clubs, including Tottenham.

Last season saw Soares make 30 top flight appearances in which he made 97 clearances, 35 interceptions, and 62 tackles. Those are some numbers because it is rare to see a defender who is complete on all three parameters.

He is no slouch going forward and created 40 chances for his teammates last season. Combine this with his ability to contribute in multiple positions, Soares promises to be a great addition.

But, will we be able to beat Chelsea? The Blues are definitely the more desperate side and Antonio Conte is under pressure after a poor start to the new season. Expect him to be swift in Cedric’s chase and the Portuguese could be tempted by the move. Unless Tottenham move fast and make a bid, moving atop the BetVictor picks doesn’t make any sense.