Manager claims Napoli tried to sign superstar from Spurs more than a decade ago

Lecce head coach Luca Gotti has likened rumoured Tottenham target Patrick Dorgu to Spurs legend Gareth Bale, backing the left-back to evolve into a world-class player over the coming years.

Dorgu has had an exceptional first season since joining Lecce from Nordsjaelland last summer, with the teenager having impressed as a conventional left-back as well as in the left wing-back role.

It was reported by the print edition of Tuttosport (via Sport Witness) last month that clubs from England, Spain and Italy have all taken note of the 19-year-old’s displays and are now considering making moves for him when the transfer window opens in the summer.

The outlet named Tottenham as one of the clubs interested in the defender, claiming that the Premier League side had ‘initiated contact’ over a summer deal for the full-back, who is thought to be valued by Lecce at €20m (£17.2m).

Napoli asked Spurs about signing Gareth Bale

Gotti has now discussed the similarities between Dorgu and a young Gareth Bale, revealing that he even advised Napoli to sign the Welshman from Spurs before he really exploded under Harry Redknapp.

The Italian coach told Calciomercato: “A few years ago, (Walter) Mazzarri was coaching Napoli. For the January transfer window, Napoli were looking for a left-wing player for their 3-5-2.

“I had seen a perfect player and I spoke to the Napoli transfer man. I recommended Bale to him. He goes to talk to Tottenham, who were planning to sell him.”

Gotti insisted that just like Bale, Dorgu has the potential to move further up the pitch as he develops as a player.

The 56-year-old said about the Danish youngster: “He seems to have great adaptability. He enjoys playing on the pitch. Important people from the football world are starting to call me to ask me what I see. (Bale) becomes a forward. He could have played as a full-back. This could happen with Dorgu.”

Spurs Web Opinion

We know that Postecoglou wants additional cover at both full-back areas and Dorgu certainly seems like a good fit for the profile that the Australian would want.

Having had success with their decision to recruit one young left-back from Serie A in the form of Destiny Udogie, Spurs might be tempted to raid the Italian market for another young left-back this summer.

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