According to a report by Calciomercato (via Sport Witness), following on from a Corriere dello Sport piece (via Sport Witness) saying Erik Lamela is 'very close' to a Serie A return, the Argentine is apparently 'ready to return to Italy' as his Tottenham Hotspur contract expires in 2022.

Lamela has been touted as one of the many names who could exit north London as chairman Daniel Levy adopts a sell-to-buy policy due to the financial impact of the pandemic.

Lamela 'ready' for Italy return

Alongside the 29-year-old, Harry Winks, Dele Alli, Serge Aurier and Hugo Lloris are other names who could be sold by Tottenham as part of a major summer overhaul, according to reports (The Daily Mail).

Now, in an update on Lamela's situation, Calciomercato have backed up Corriere's claims that the winger is more likely than not to opt for a return to Serie A - where Tottenham signed him from AS Roma back in 2013.

Corriere first reported that he is 'very close' to a return to Italy, and Calciomercato now report the player's stance personally and claim he is 'ready' to make the move.

Allegedly, Lamela is so keen for it to happen he is willing to take a 50% pay cut to join Napoli in particular, who are interested.

Indeed, the attacker apparently 'wants' to sign on at the Stadio San Paolo and is 'ready' to make his return to Italy.

Transfer Tavern take

Lauded as a 'fantastic player' by former Spurs 'keeper Paul Robinson (Football Insider), and despite his quality sometimes proving useful for manager Jose Mourinho, this summer could be the right time to move him on.

At 29, Lamela isn't getting any younger and his value could only drop from here on in - especially with his deal expiring at the end of next season.

It's debatably imperative that Levy manages to offload him this summer for some much needed funds to invest in marquee new Tottenham additions.

In other news: Levy eyeing Spurs swoop for this 'extraordinary' ace, find out more here.