Speaking to GiveMeSport, journalist Michael Bridge of Sky Sports has made a transfer claim involving Tottenham and AC Milan star Franck Kessie.
The Lowdown: Spurs eyeing Kessie move...
As reported by numerous sources, Spurs are one of the clubs in contention to sign one of Milan's prize assets as his contract at the San Siro steadily winds down.
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The Ivory Coast star could leave at the end of 2021/2022 for free as it stands with the Italian giants still yet to agree a contract extension, putting many clubs on high alert.
One of them is Tottenham, with reports even recently suggesting that it is far more advanced than simply interest.
La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Get Italian Football News) claimed that the Lilywhites were in very advanced talks to sign Kessie while reporter Rudy Galetti even stated that a Spurs agreement was 'close' (Twitter).
While not exactly backing those audacious updates, Sky reporter Bridge believes Spurs' interest isn't going anywhere.
The Latest: Bridge makes Kessie to Spurs claim...
Speaking to GMS, sharing what he's heard from Italy, the journalist relays that Antonio Conte has apparently given the 'thumbs up' for his new club to swoop for Kessie - green lighting a move.
He explained:
"The talk of Kessie at AC Milan is not going away. There's talk in Italy that Spurs really want him and Conte's given the thumbs up."
The Verdict: Get it done...
Given his new deal situation, managing director Fabio Paratici and Conte could secure a real bargain for Tottenham by signing him on a pre-contract in January.
Valued at a sky-high £49.5 million by Transfermarkt, Spurs could bypass that fee entirely and snap up a proven Serie A star who has attracted all sorts of praise.
European football specialist Nicky Bandini lavished Kessie as 'extraordinary' on ESPN, for example, while the player's manager, Stefano Pioli, called Kessie 'sumptuous'.
An all-round midfield star, the African racked up an impressive 13 goals and four assists in 36 Italian top flight starts last season despite being a natural defensive midfield player (WhoScored).
Meanwhile, this campaign, he's averaged a higher pass accuracy (92.2%) than any of Tottenham's midfielders - indicating he would add real class and composure in the middle of the park under Conte.
Taking all this into account, we quite simply urge Spurs to get a deal done.
In other news: Spurs agreement to sign £200,000-per-week star possible as Paratici makes exciting plea to club chiefs, find out more here.