Tottenham Hotspur face an uphill battle in their hopes of signing Atalanta midfielder Ruslan Malinovskyi, according to a fresh claim by Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Tottenham's Malinovskyi interest

It was reported by Corriere di Bergamo (via Sport Witness) that Spurs had submitted a €15m (£13.2m) bid for Malinovskyi last week, but this figure was not deemed to be enough by Atalanta, who want €18m (£15.8m) for the Ukrainian.

That is despite the 29-year-old's contract expiring at the end of the season, meaning that Spurs would be able to sign him on a pre-contract agreement in January.

It has now been revealed by Romano why the deal has not been completed sooner...

The Latest: Spurs still want Malinovskyi

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the journalist confirmed that Tottenham are still interested in bringing the attacking midfielder to north London, but he added that they have not yet been able to meet Atalanta's terms.

Romano said: “Malinovskyi remains a player they appreciate. They wanted him in the summer and he was a priority, but the problem here is Atalanta.

“Atalanta didn’t accept a loan deal with a buy option. Atalanta always wanted more than this – a permanent deal or nothing for Ruslan Malinovskyi.”

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The Verdict: Worth it?

It seems quite unreasonable that Atalanta are holding out for almost £16m, considering that Tottenham can wait until the end of the season and get him for nothing, regardless of the injection of quality that he would provide for Antonio Conte.

BBC Sport writer Raj Chohan has previously hailed the maestro as a 'baller', a fair assessment given that Malinovksyi is in the 93rd percentile for assists over the past year, when compared to his positional peers in Europe's top five leagues, averaging 0.43 per 90 minutes.

With 17 goal contributions in 41 appearances last season, Malinovksyi was a real livewire in and around the penalty box, and while he has not been up to the same standard in Serie A this term, he's proven that he could be a worthwhile prospective addition for Spurs.

However, Conte should sign him on a pre-contract agreement rather than spending £16m, as the Ukrainian is not a player that Tottenham desperately need at present, with the likes of Dejan Kulusevski able to play in the 29-year-old's preferred attacking midfield role.