According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Tottenham Hotspur are ‘yet’ to make an offer for Atalanta midfielder Ruslan Malinovskyi, but there is ‘interest’.
The Lowdown: Tottenham leading the race
Fabio Paratici has already been busy this window, making seven new additions to his squad, and Antonio Conte recently suggested that there could still be more incomings if players depart in the weeks ahead.
Italian outlet Tutto Atalanta credited the Lilywhites with an interest in the 29-year-old on Wednesday and even claimed that the Premier League giants are in pole position to land him ahead of their competitors.
Contrary to reports though, it’s not Spurs who appear to have made the first move…
The Latest: Spurs in the background
Taking to Twitter, Romano confirmed that whilst THFC are long-term admirers of Malinovskyi, they are yet to submit a bid, unlike Olympique Marseille.
“Tottenham interest is there since long time but OM have made an official proposal for Malinovskyi, Spurs not yet as of now. Let’s see.”
The Verdict: Maddison alternative
Spurs’ squad depth is relatively strong, but the one area of the pitch that does need bolstering is in creative midfield, and since interest in Leicester’s James Maddison has cooled, Malinovskyi would be a fantastic alternative.
The Ukrainian, known for incredible distance shooting and hailed as ‘stunning’ by sports journalist Josh Bunting, made 17 goal contributions in all competitions for Atalanta last season, averaging 1.9 shots and 1.6 successful dribbles per Serie A game, via WhoScored.
Despite not being a household name, Malinovskyi would offer a real attacking outlet from the middle of the park, and with his contract expiring next summer, now would be the perfect time to snap him up.