Tottenham Transfer News: Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez, Erik Lamela, Christian Eriksen, And Federico Balzaretti, Involved In Latest Spurs Rumors Following Gareth Bale Move To Real Madrid

With Gareth Bale’s impending £86 million move to Real Madrid nearly finalized, Tottenham are reportedly preparing to spend £100 million this summer in what can only be described as a massive overhaul to a squad that finished fifth in the Premier League in 2012-2013.

Spurs have already added Spanish forward Roberto Soldado from Valenica, Brazilian playmaker Paulinho from Corinthians, and Etienne Capoue from Toulouse, for a total transfer sum of roughly £52 million, while pocketing a combined £19 million for attacking midfielder Clint Dempsey, midfielder Tom Huddlestone, and centre back Steven Caulkner. More reinforcements are reportedly on the way with one blockbuster deal already confirmed.

On Wednesday, Roma announced the sale of Erik Lamela to Tottenham for about £25.8 million (€30m), with bonuses that could pay as much as £4.27 million (€5m). The Argentinian forward had been linked to a move to White Hart Lane since June, and is expected to play an integral part of the Spurs attack. The 21-year-old scored 19 goals for Roma in 62 appearances after spending three seasons with River Plate. Lamela also has three appearances with Argentina.

"I’m proud to have played with a Roma shirt," Lamela said, according to Roma’s official website. "I hope to return one day.

"Maybe I haven’t managed to show everything that I would have wanted and been able to show. It’s also true that we lacked something as a team. I hope that things go better this season (for Roma). They all seem very focused. I hope that the club, the coach and my teammates go as far as possible.

"As for me, I hope to do well also at Tottenham. I’d like to thank and say goodbye to the fans, who always treated me well. I send them all a big hug and they will always have a place in my heart."

Lamela could be joined by Roma teammate Federico Balzaretti. The 31-year-old may be involved in a left-back loan switch with Benoit Assou-Ekotto, according to the Daily Mail. Assou-Ekotto, 29, has been with Spurs since 2006, having made 155 appearances and having featured with Cameroon on 18 occasions. However, Balzaretti appears to be the more seasoned player with 14 years of professional experience in Serie A. Balzaretti also has 15 appearances with Italy.

In perhaps the most surprising transfer rumor of the week, forward Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez has also been linked to an exit from Manchester United. Hernandez has been a key performer at Old Trafford, and seemed to be a fine fit since his arrival in 2010. Under manager Sir Alex Ferguson, the 25-year-old Mexican star scored 33 goals in 77 appearances while playing a similar role to famed substitute Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Hernandez, who has been perhaps the most valuable player for Mexico in recent years, has yet to feature for new boss David Moyes this season due a hamstring injury.

According to Daily Mirror, Tottenham are making a shock move for Hernandez in a deal that could be worth £15 million. Juventus, Real Madrid, and Atletico Madrid have all been linked to the former Chivas star in recent months. It is difficult to envision United letting Hernandez go without adding a forward to replace him. This is has been a conspicuously slow transfer period for United and it seems implausible that the Moyes era would lose a player of Hernandez’s caliber.

On Wednesday, ESPN reported that Ajax director of football Marc Overmars met with Spurs chairman Daniel Levy about an offer for midfielder Christian Eriksen. The 21-year-old Dane is in the final year of his contract, and the Dutch club are seeking a fee of £12.8 million (€15m).

"Yes, Levy was here and Eriksen has been given permission to speak to Tottenham," Overmars said.

Eriksen has been heavily pursued by Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester United in recent months after rejecting a contract with Ajax in February. He already has 37 appearances with Denmark after debuting in 2010.