Tottenham Hotspur are in advanced talks with Bournemouth about a £60m deal for striker Dominic Solanke.
The 26-year-old’s release clause of about £65m was confirmed by Bournemouth owner Bill Foley in an interview with BBC Sport last month.
The two clubs are however negotiating a fee below that for the striker, who has played once for England.
Cherries head coach Andoni Iraola acknowledged on Friday that discussions between the clubs “are ongoing”.
Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou wants to strengthen his attack after England captain Harry Kane left for Bayern Munich last summer.
The Australian told a news conference on Friday that Tottenham’s forward line was “an area we need to reinforce this year” but felt a distinction should be drawn between the type of player they want and filling Kane’s boots.
Postecoglou said: “I don’t think we’ve been looking to replace Harry. I think I said a number of times last year you can’t replace a generational player and there’s a reason they stand apart.
“We’ve been working hard to try and get the right kind of players into those areas we need for another challenging season ahead.”Solanke enjoyed the best season of his career last term, scoring 21 goals in 42 appearances for the Cherries.
If the deal goes through it would represent a record sale for Bournemouth, exceeding the £40m they received from Manchester City for defender Nathan Ake in 2020.
Solanke joined Bournemouth for £19m in 2019 from Liverpool, who are understood to have a 20 per cent sell-on clause.
Foley said in July that while he hoped Solanke would stay, Bournemouth had “two or three candidates lined up” as potential replacements.
Cherries boss Iraola acknowledged the forward “would be a big miss” should he leave.
He added: “Everyone focuses on the goals he scores. He scores a big percentage of our goals, but he gives us much more than goals.
“He is very complete. He helps us in all the phases of the game.”
