Tottenham Hotspur are facing an uphill battle in their attempt to sign Flamengo midfielder Gerson according to Goal.
The report suggests that the North London side bid €18 million (£16 million) for the 23-year-old but that figure has been deemed too low by the Flamengo board.
However, the price is not the only thing that may stop Tottenham from getting their man with the young Brazilian reportedly comfortable in his home country.
Gerson spent three underwhelming seasons in Italy with AS Roma and Fiorentina and is subsequently sceptical over moving back to Europe already.
The reported Tottenham target joined Flamengo last year and has enjoyed a successful spell with them under manager Jorge Jesus winning both the Copa Libertadores and Campeonato Brasileiro in the previous season.
Jesus’ decision to stay on at the club has apparently convinced Gerson to remain at Flamengo and aim to get into the Brazilian squad for the 2022 World Cup.
Flamengo may expect a stronger second bid from Tottenham with manager Jose Mourinho being an admirer of the player.
Mourinho has been looking to bring in reinforcements in midfield for Spurs with Eric Dier and Tanguy N’dombele delivering several below par performances in the middle of the park.
A key factor that may tempt Gerson would be if Spurs somehow manage to qualify for Champions League football next season but that outcome seems unlikely given their position in the table right now.
Tottenham have reportedly been tracking the enforcer since December and will pursue their man in the upcoming transfer window at the end of the season.
