Pundit says reported Tottenham target is the ‘new Paolo Maldini’

Don Hutchison has waxed lyrical about Riccardo Calafiori, admitting that the Bolgona star reminds him of Italian legend Paolo Maldini.

Tottenham are keen on Riccardo Calafiori

Calafiori’s stock has risen tremendously over the last 12 months and the centre-back could become a household name by the end of the Euros if he continues the way he has started the tournament (not including that own goal against Spain).

The Italian press continues to suggest that it is Juventus and Tottenham who are at the front of the queue for the 22-year-old’s signature.

This includes an update from Calciomercato on Tuesday, which claimed that although moving to the Allianz Stadium is Calafiori’s preference, the Biaconeri may not be able to afford Bologna’s €40m (£33.7m) asking price.

Meanwhile, The Athletic reported on the same day that the likes of Bayern Munich and Manchester City are also fans of the centre-back and are keeping an eye on his situation.

Is Riccardo Calafiori the reincarnation of Maldini?

Hutchison is convinced that Calafiori is destined for greatness, comparing the Bologna star with Maldini, who many consider to be the best centre-back Italy has ever produced and one of the greatest in the history of the game.

He told ESPN FC about the youngster after his performance against Albania: “Oh my God, the prince. The new Maldini. Look at him.”

When fellow pundit Ale Moreno took a dig at Hutchinson for praising the Italian for the way he runs, the former Scotland international responded: “He looks like Maldini. Look at his hair. His face. Look at his running. You must look at someone’s running gate and go ‘Yeah, he reminds me of a certain individual’.”

Spurs Web Opinion

The fear that Tottenham, Juve and other interested clubs will have is that Calafiori’s price would skyrocket if he continues impressing at the Euros.

That might force these clubs to try and accelerate a deal and make an offer that Bologna find hard to refuse.

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