Tottenham leading Brozovic transfer race

Tottenham Hotspur are leading the race to sign Inter Milan central midfielder Marcelo Brozovic this summer, according to a recent report.

The Lowdown: Tottenham eyeing midfielder

It is clear that Tottenham want to strengthen in the centre of midfield this summer, given the number of players they have been linked to in that area of the pitch, with Fulham’s Joao Palhinha recently emerging as a potential option for Antonio Conte.

Another player Spurs are considering a move for is Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse, with journalist Pete O’Rourke recently claiming that he is a ‘top player’ who would be a ‘great fit’ for the north London club.

While proven Premier League players are on the shortlist for the Lilywhites, there is also a suggestion they could turn their attentions to options from abroad, with Brozovic being linked with a move during the January transfer window.

The Latest: Leading Brozovic race

According to a new report from Inter Live, the Inter Milan midfielder has plenty of admirers in the Premier League, but Tottenham are in pole position as the main team to keep an eye on.

However, the report states that Conte remaining at N17 could play a major part in whether a deal goes ahead, given that the 30-year-old is someone the manager has been interested in for a long time.

It is also detailed that Spurs could use Tanguy Ndombele as a bargaining chip in negotiations with Inter, as he is set to return from his loan with Napoli at the end of the season.

The Verdict: Get it done?

Lauded as ‘fantastic’ by former Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho, who is a huge fan, the Croatian is very assured in possession, ranking in the 97th percentile for passes attempted and in the 94th for his completion percentage per 90 over the course of the past year.

In the Serie A this season, the maestro has been one of Inter’s most consistent performers, receiving an average Sofascore rating of 7.30, the highest of any midfielder and the fourth-best figure in the entire squad.

Despite predominantly featuring as a defensive midfielder throughout his career, the 83-time Croatia international also pitches in with the attacking output, recording 30 goals and 37 assists in a total of 309 games with his current club.

With Rodrigo Bentancur set to be sidelined until November at the earliest, Brozovic would be the perfect addition to Conte’s squad, although he should only be offered a short-term contract, as he is no longer in his peak years.