The £20m midfielder who could help Fulham forget all about Joao Palhinha - if Tottenham don't hijack the deal

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Fulham have been working hard to seal a crucial midfielder signing - but Tottenham Hotspur could be about to spoil the party

Fulham have been leading the race to sign Manchester United’s Scott McTominay, but now could face fierce competition from Spurs, who are in the market for a midfielder after Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg left the club.

The Lilywhites are looking for someone with the legs to go on and score goals from midfield, and McTominay has proven he has that ability and experience, having been at United his entire career. Sunday Times journalist Duncan Castles has reported that Spurs are interested in a deal to sign the Red Devils midfielder, who scored seven Premier League goals for the Red Devils last season.

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The BBC are also reporting that United have received a second bid from Fulham, understood to be £20m for the Lancaster-born Scotland international, with the Cottagers pushing to sign him to replace Joao Palhinha, who finally got his big move to Bayern Munich earlier this summer.

Fulham have done their homework well and know that not many players can replace Palhinha like McTominay. Standing at 6’4” (193 cm), McTominay brings a significant physical presence to the midfield. His height and strength make him effective in aerial duels and physical battles, which can be particularly beneficial in both defensive situations and set-piece scenarios.

The 27-year-old has similar qualities as Palhinha, including physicality and endurance, making this a potentially perfect fit. From the player’s standpoint, he’s at the age where he needs to feel important and be central to a project. At Fulham, he will be a shoo-in as the main midfielder that everyone revolves around.

Tottenham have the lure of Europa League football which, while a step down from the Champions League, is a massive deal for players like McTominay. Financially, Spurs would offer a bigger wage package, and he’d get to play alongside bigger names. However, Spurs are also looking at Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze, so they are steadily stockpiling star players, and the competition for starting minutes would mean he might not be the main man. Uounger players like Pape Sarr and Yves Bissouma, who have been with manager Ange Postecoglou for a while now, may well be preferred regular starters.

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One McTominay would bring to Fulham if they finalise the deal is leadership. Even at his relatively young age, McTominay has shown leadership qualities at Manchester United and with the Scotland national team. His experience at a top club and international level can provide invaluable experience and guidance to Fulham’s squad, both on and off the pitch.

It’s clear to see why Spurs are interested and what he can do in a well-oiled system like that crafted by Ange Postecoglou, but he’s at the stage where he needs to be the leading star. Marco Silva has grown a reputation for getting key players to perform in the Premier League. Just look at players like Mitrovic and Palhinha, who both ended up getting big money moves after playing under the Portuguese manager. If both clubs make a move for McTominay, a switch to west London just might be a better idea.

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