'Asian Messi' is coming to Premier League! Takefusa Kubo set to join London club in January: Report

Takefusa Kubo is set to end his three-year association with La Liga side Real Sociedad by joining Europa League champions Tottenham Hotspur in the January window, a report said. The former Real Madrid star, who was often called the "Asian Messi" during his formative period, will be reaching England as Sociedad are hell-bent on improving their financial situation, it said.

ALSO READ | Nico Paz rejects Tottenham Hotspur transfer for Real Madrid dream, says Fabrizio Romano; buy-back clause and Right of First Refusal explained

24-year-old Kubo, who has also represented Mallorca, Villarreal, and Getafe in Spain, will cost Spurs €60 million, who have triggered the Japanese international's release clause, Fichajes said in a report. No major roadblocks are expected in the path of the deal's completion as Thomas Frank believes a creative winger with speedy legs is a must-have addition to his squad. However, there is a possibility that Real Sociedad will stall the deal if they get a verbal promise from potential buyers to come knocking with a bigger cheque in the summer, the report claimed.

Kubo's versatility in becoming a forward and attacking midfielder when needed, and his excellent dribbling ability, could give Spurs further depth in the absences of James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, and Dominic Solanke. Star winger Mohammed Kudus had also suffered an injury setback recently, although it was ruled minor in nature.

ALSO READ | Real Madrid to offer Tottenham's Micky van de Ven chance to join them after Ibrahima Konate transfer deal is sealed?

If not for financial reasons, the La Liga side would not have parted ways with Japan's number 20, who has managed 24 goals and 18 assists for them from 147 games. Aston Villa are also interested in Kubo, but the report labels Spurs as a clear frontrunner to secure the attacker's signature.