Paratici scouts checking on Conte target as Tottenham prep huge move for USA star
Tottenham scouts are reportedly making frequent checks on a highly-rated USA star as the north London club ponder a big-money January swoop.
The Italian manager faces a huge task in turning around a Tottenham side that has been on the slide for a couple of seasons. Conte and director Fabio Paratici need a host of signings and departures if Spurs are to become a force once again.
The north London outfit are firmly in the race for Fiorentina’s Dusan Vlahovic. However, the goalscorer is also on the wish list of several other European clubs. Man City and Juventus are the most notable examples.
Recent reports suggest Fiorentina are willing to accept less than their initial valuation for Vlahovic. A bid of just £34m could be enough to bring him to England.
Spurs are also considering their goalkeeper options. With Hugo Lloris’ deal due to expire in the summer, Tottenham are reportedly looking at a couple of additions, with an England international very much on their list.
However, it seems Conte’s first priority is to beef up his midfield options. As such, Juventus’ Weston McKennie has been reported as a potential target.
Now the Daily Mirror reports that Conte’s interest in McKennie is mounting, amid claims Juve are willing to sell.
Conte a big admirer of McKennie
Conte is understood to be a huge admirer of the USA schemer, comparing his attributes to his former charge Arturo Vidal.
A report from Italian outlet Calciomercato suggests Paratici sent scouts to fly in to Turin to watch Juventus take on Atalanta on Saturday, only for the 23-year-old to come off injured.
He lasted only 64 minutes after sustaining a knee injury and was replaced by Moise Kean. Thankfully for Juve, the injury does not appear to be serious.
The report states that Tottenham scouts will continue to keep a close watch on the player ahead of a January move.
It’s reported that a fee of around £30m will be enough to persuade Juventus to sell.
And while he’s playing more under Massimiliano Allegri this season, finances at Juve could dictate his sale.
However, the Mirror reports that Spurs could yet face competition from Aston Villa for McKennie.
Bergwijn exit on cards at Spurs
One man who could depart to free up some funds at Spurs is Steven Bergwijn. Indeed, reports this week claim he’s emerging as a potential transfer option for Ajax.
And with the winger struggling to impress at Spurs, journalist Mike Verweij, speaking on De Telegraaf’s podcast, has detailed just how much contempt Conte has for Bergwijn.
“That interest in Bergwijn has been made known. Conte does not see it in him at all. Conte is also the one who opposed Bergwijn’s transfer from PSV to Italy. Inter were an interested club at the time, but Conte did not need him,” he said, via Sport Witness.
“Conte has only said two words to Bergwijn in two weeks at Tottenham Hotspur. That’s why Ajax can consider him, but first Ajax will have to sell [David] Neres.”
Indeed, with finances tight at Ajax, Verweij claims the Dutch giants are already working on a deal to sign Bergwijn on an initial loan.
“That is the reason that Ajax is busy with Brobbey and also fully committed to Bergwijn. This is simply not good enough,” Verweij added.
“I think they only want to loan this season, that applies also for Bergwijn. Ajax had very bad figures last year, also because of Corona.”
READ MORE: Conte shows off fierce Tottenham change with big demand after postponed Burnley game
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