Tottenham Hotspur are set to open talks over the signing of Atalanta midfielder Ruslan Malinovskyi, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Malinovskyi linked with Spurs...

Spurs have been linked with a return for the Ukraine international in recent weeks after reliable reports of summer interest. Indeed, transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano (via Daily Express) claimed that the 29-year-old ‘dreams’ of joining Antonio Conte and ‘would love' to sign for the Premier League club.

Ahead of the January transfer window, reports have suggested that Tottenham could come back in for Malinovskyi, with his current deal set to expire in 2023.

Atalanta risk losing him for nothing if they do not sell mid-season, potentially handing Conte and Spurs' sporting director Fabio Paratici a chance to sign him.

The Latest: Spurs set for Malinovkskyi talks...

As per journalist Marco Conterio, it appears that Lilywhites chiefs are set to open negotiations for the Ukrainian, with the Italian reporter claiming that officials from both sides 'will talk to each other'. He adds that this is after a 'request from Conte', and that Tottenham 'will try' to bring him to north London.

Conterio said (via Twitter): "Request from Antonio Conte and total harmony with Fabio Paratici: the Tottenham in January will try to take Ruslan Malinovskyi.

"The negotiation with Atalanta has not started but soon the managements will talk to each other. For Gasperini it is non-transferable."

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The Verdict: Good idea?

Hailed as 'extraordinary' by his manager Gian Piero Gasperini, it's clear that the Ukraine midfielder can perform superbly on his day.

Malinovskyi stood out as Atalanta’s fifth-best player in Serie A last season with six goals and four assists over 2021/22, which shows why both Conte and Paratici are in agreement over targeting him (WhoScored).

Considering the 29-year-old's contract situation, Spurs could capitalise and sign a proven attacking asset for a reasonable transfer fee.