Real Betis midfielder Johnny Cardoso is using transfer links to Tottenham and other clubs as motivation to keep evolving as a player. Only arriving in Andalusia last January, the United States international has made a real impression in La Liga and duly come to the attention of a number of Europe's top sides.

Now a teammate of former Tottenham midfielder Giovani Lo Celso, the summer transfer involving the Argentina midfielder could well impact Cardoso's future going forward. Needing to finalise terms in order to see Lo Celso return to the Estadio Benito Villamarin on a permanent basis after a frustrating spell in London, Tottenham agreed to a priority option for Cardoso as part of the package.

Spurs can clinch the signing of the former Internacional player in a reported two-week window in the summer of 2025 for a lower set price, which is claimed to be around €25million (£21million). If they opt to not to take up that option and pass on the opportunity to sign the 23-year-old, the deal instead becomes a sell-on clause for a player they do not even own.

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According to Spanish publication Diario de Sevilla, Tottenham, AC Milan, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and an unnamed club are all interested in securing Cardoso's signature. Speaking in an interview with Marca, the youngster opened up on the transfer links and how they make him feel.

"I feel good, this motivates me even more to continue working, evolving and seeking to achieve great goals," said Cardoso.

When asked if the links to some of Europe's top clubs can help him lose focus, he added: "Not for me, I have a very calm head about this, I try to stay focused on the present and keep working to help Betis, I leave that in the hands of my father and my agent."

Spanish clubs do tend to have release clauses in a player's contract, with Cardoso's reported to be a whopping €80million (£66.4million). The highly-rated player has revealed that the "numbers are scary" but it is not something he thinks about too much.

Tottenham could certainly do with addressing the No.6 role in Ange Postecoglou's midfield as they have yet to find the perfect solution to the position. Cardoso could certainly help them do that, especially as Manchester City star Rodri is a huge inspiration for the United States midfielder.

"I have Kaka as an idol on and off the pitch, and I have two players who are my inspiration, who I love to watch play, who are Rodri and Busquets," he admitted.

"They are players who have a very similar style of play to mine, and players who have reached the highest level of football. I am always evolving, trying to learn from my teammates and from these players who inspire me. I think I can improve my arrival into the final third a bit more, and I think I can help the team in that as well."

Cardoso will celebrate the first anniversary of his Real Betis debut later this month. It has been a very important year for the Betis ace and one that has seen him grow as a player.

"It has been a very special year, with a lot of learning and evolution. I have adapted very well here," explained Cardoso. "I think I gained more experience, improved as an athlete both technically and tactically and I continue to evolve.

"I feel like I have improved my control of the game, and also how to better fulfil my role in the game tactically, I continue working to improve more and more."

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