Tottenham target Johnny Cardoso clarifies future as two-week transfer clause deadline beckons

Tottenham transfer target Johnny Cardoso has outlined his commitment to Real Betis by claiming he can imagine staying in Andalusia "for many years to come." Spurs have negotiated the chance to sign the 23-year-old USMNT midfielder this summer during a two-week window when they can formally trigger a £21million first-option clause.

The unique agreement was struck last August when Real Betis signed midfielder Giovani Lo Celso for an initial £8.4m fee. However, if Spurs decide against the deal they would be entitled to a cut of future profit thanks to the activation of a sell-on clause.

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Interestingly, Cardoso, who has previously talked up the move to north London, has now claimed he is settled at Real Betis after signing a new contract in February, suggesting a summer switch to the is by no means a foregone conclusion. He told El Chiringuito: “I’m very happy here and I hope I can continue enjoying myself at Betis for many years to come."

Manuel Pellegrini's side are firmly in pursuit of qualification having won their last six matches including the Seville derby on Sunday when Cardoso was on target. The American insists it's Betis' "dream" to play in Europe's elite club competition next season and unless Spurs win the , Champions League football won't be on offer in England next season. He continued after being targeted by in January: “The Champions League? It’s our dream and our goal."

The Spanish outfit are also soaring in the UEFA Conference League as they gear up for next week's quarter-final clash against Polish side Jagiellonia Bialystok. Box-to-box starlet Cardoso has been a prominent figure throughout Betis' season, scoring three goals in 34 appearances in all competitions, respectively.

Tottenham believe he could be a smart acquisition to bolster their midfield ranks following a lacklustre campaign under Ange Postecoglou. with Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola, Brentford's Thomas Frank and Fulham's Marco Silva understood to be three key names of interest.

Speaking last week, Cardoso had also claimed that links with Spurs had spurred him on and helped him up his levels this season. He told Spanish newspaper Diario de Sevilla: "I can’t lie, and it’s true that it’s something that gives me confidence, that makes me feel valued because I’m doing a good job. But I always try to improve and do my best for the benefit of the group and grow as a person on and off the field. However, right now my focus is only on Betis. This season we have important things to think about.”

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