Tottenham Hotspur are ‘unlikely’ to sign RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol this summer, talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook has claimed.
The Lowdown: On Paratici’s shortlist
The Athletic have previously reported that Spurs have drawn up a four-man shortlist of options as to who they could bring in as a left-sided centre-back this summer.
Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni, recent Newcastle signing Sven Botman and fresh Borussia Dortmund arrival Nico Schlotterbeck all joined Gvardiol on Fabio Paratici’s wish list, but the Lilywhites could now be set to miss out on the entire quartet.
The two players who have undergone recent transfers are obviously now unattainable, while Bastoni’s agent has stated that his client will 'certainly remain at Inter'. Also, German football expert Stefan Bienkowski has revealed that both Spurs and Chelsea have been informed by Leipzig that the Croatian is not for sale.
The Latest: Crook’s claim
Crook is doubtful that Tottenham will sign Gvardiol this summer and reckons that the Lilywhites are more likely to dip into the Serie A market, given Conte’s and Paratici’s experience of that league.
Speaking with GiveMeSport, the talkSPORT reporter claimed: “I’d say unlikely. I think Leipzig are keen to keep hold of him for another season. I think there’ll be better value to be had in Italy.
“And this is still Tottenham and Daniel Levy, so they’re not going to pay over the odds for players. So, I think Serie A is a more likely destination.”
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The Verdict: Davies may remain
With all of Conte’s squad options in central defence being right-footed, the Italian had no choice but to use Ben Davies in that position, with the left-back proving to be a fantastic makeshift centre-half over the last few months.
The Wales international was utilised at centre-back 35 times last season, but it is understood that signing a left-sided centre-back remains a key objective for Conte this summer.
As per Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona’s Clement Lenglet is nearing a loan switch to north London. However, with this move lasting just a year, it would not be a surprise to see Paratici dip back into the market in search of a more permanent solution.
Gvardiol could be the long-term answer, with Croatia assistant coach Ivica Olic once having dubbed him “extraordinary”. Germania Sport assistant editor Izak Ante Sucic also heaped praise on the gem, saying: “Since he was a child, he’s been built like a tank."
With such huge potential at 20 years of age, this could be a transfer worth waiting for.