Tottenham hope of coup signing rises as Serie A giants begin replacement hunt

Tottenham have been given more hope of securing a coup signing as a Serie A giant is already seeking a replacement for their target, a report suggests.

It’s shaping up to be a make-or-break year for Spurs. With Antonio Conte at the helm, they finally have some pulling power to back up their ambitious expectations. But their pursuit of Dusan Vlahovic has shown it won’t be straightforward.

The Fiorentina striker appeared to be in the north London club’s sights last year. But in the past couple of months he has slipped from their grasp.

And now their rivals Arsenal seem to be in pole position. However, Conte, and director of football Fabio Paratici, both have extensive connections in Italy.

That has allowed them to bounce back and become players in the situation surrounding Juventus’ Paulo Dybala.

He is set to be available on a free transfer at the end of the season. Tottenham are reportedly in a two-man race with Inter Milan for his signature.

Dybala’s club have now furthered suggestions that he will not sign a new deal. They are looking at Mauro Icardi, as per Football Italia.

The PSG man, who previously played for Sampdoria and Inter, has been a long-term target of the Old Lady.

He could finally be their’s with a loan switch in the January transfer window.

Icardi’s French owners want his permanent exit from the club. And the man himself is also seeking a return to Italy for good.

Juve aren’t able to afford that this month, though signing him in the summer appears to be more achievable. And that would fill the gap left by Dybala.

Paratici is reportedly already in contact with his agent over a prospective free-transfer switch.

Spurs’ chances of signing the forward, who has seven goals in 16 league appearances this season, have never been higher.

Tottenham issue defender response

Meanwhile, Tottenham have told AC Milan that they will not let defender Japhet Tanganga move to the Serie A side on loan this month, according to a report.

Milan are looking to bring in a new centre-back following captain Simon Kjaer’s serious injury. And they have subsequently enquired about Tanganga’s availability on loan.

They believe that the defender would prove a perfect fit as cover in Stefano Pioli’s side. They are looking for a player under 25 years of age who can offer a new – but temporary – solution for Milan.

However, according to Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), Spurs have flatly rejected the idea of his loan exit and want to keep the defender in Conte’s ranks.

READ MORE: Tottenham looking to leapfrog Arsenal, Leeds in race for right-back Mourinho wanted in 2020

 

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