Tottenham Hotspur are edging closer to completing the signing of Atalanta's Ruslan Malinovskyi, according to reports from Italy.

The Lowdown: Conte eyes Malinovskyi

Malinovskyi has been a long-term target of Antonio Conte, with Italian outlet Il Giorno previously reporting that Tottenham representatives were working on a deal at the start of November, via Daily Express.

Further details have now been brought to light, indicating that the move could be close to being concluded...

The Latest: Getting closer

As per Calciomercato, the Ukrainian's current club were initially holding out for a fee in the region of €18m (£15.5m) to part with him, but they would now be willing to settle for €15m (£12.9m).

Other interested suitors Marseille are also said to be distant in regards to a switch, paving the way for Spurs to sign him in the January transfer window.

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The Verdict: Get it done

With the 29-year-old seemingly unwilling to commit to extending his stay with Atalanta beyond 2023, the Serie A side's loss could be Spurs' gain, as he would be a fantastic attacking midfield option for Conte.

Hailed as having a 'wondrous left foot' by journalist Emmet Gates, the £19k-per-week ace is a forward-thinking player, always trying to drive his team on by moving the ball forward, as indicated by an average of 5.72 progressive passes per 90 minutes over the past year, placing him in the 96th percentile.

In their pursuit of Champions League football, Tottenham could do with some fire attacking firepower, which the Ukrainian would almost certainly deliver, registering a stunning 20 goal contributions in 36 appearances in the 2020/21 Serie A season.

Although he is likely to play second fiddle to the likes of Dejan Kulusevski and Heung-min Son, Malinovskyi would provide excellent depth to Conte, and the reported price of just £12.9m seems an absolute steal for a player of his calibre.