Speaking to CMIT TV, as shared by Calciomercato.it, Sportitalia journalist Rudy Galetti has shared an update on Tottenham Hotspur's pursuit of AC Milan star Franck Kessie.

The Lowdown: Kessie on the radar?

There has been an abundance of reports linking the 24-year-old with a move to Spurs in recent weeks as the exciting Antonio Conte era begins in north London.

Even before the Italian's arrival at N17, managing director and transfer chief Fabio Paratici was tipped with a swoop for the Ivory Coast international, with Calciomercato even claiming that an approach had been made.

According to their sources, Spurs proposed an €8m-per-season (£6.7m) salary offer to Kessie's entourage as they aim to sign him on a pre-contract in January.

His deal at the San Siro is set to expire in 2022 as things stand with no agreement yet reached on an extension, meaning that he can leave as a free agent at the end of 2021/22.

This has prompted Paratici and Spurs to take notice, with Conte's arrival also accelerating rumours of a possible move to north London.

La Gazzetta dello Sport claimed last week (via Get Italian Football News) that Tottenham were in 'very advanced talks' to sign the player, and while Galetti doesn't go that far, he has shared an intriguing update.

The Latest: Spurs most likely to sign him...

According to the reporter's information, speaking on CMIT TV, Conte has personally requested that Spurs sign the 24-year-old.

Furthermore, he believes that Tottenham are the most likely to sign Kessie as they enter pole position for his signature, but Galetti is unsure whether the club's offer will 'satisfy' in the end.

"[Kessie] is one of Conte's requests, but I don't know if Tottenham's offer will satisfy," he explained.

"Also because there are some important commissions involved. However now I would say that on Kessie the highest percentage is for Tottenham."

The Verdict: A must-sign...

This update comes as a slightly mixed one given that Spurs are apparently the favourites but there is uncertainty surrounding their 'offer'.

However, given his obvious quality, we urge Tottenham to remain ahead of the competition and seriously strengthen Conte's options with the potential arrival of Kessie on a free transfer.

Valued at around £49.5m by Transfermarkt, Paratici could bypass that fee entirely if they agree a pre-contract, which would possibly come as his biggest coup since he was appointed sporting director.

Kessie stands out as a crucial player for Milan, as evident by manager Stefano Pioli calling him a 'sumptuous' footballer, and there has been no shortage of other plaudits.

Former Italy international Antonio Cassano is a big fan, calling the defensive midfielder 'devastating', whilst Serie A expert and sports writer Nicky Bandini branded the Ivorian 'extraordinary' live on ESPN.

An all-round midfielder, the African has also been thriving in the forward areas, racking up 13 goals and four assists in 36 Serie A starts last season (WhoScored).

This year, Kessie has averaged an impressive domestic passing accuracy of 91.6%, more than any Spurs player has managed in the Premier League, perhaps highlighting he would add real quality in the centre of the park.

In other news: Conte blown away by another Spurs player in coach's dream who smashes training, says Alasdair Gold...find out more here.