Tottenham co-sporting directors Fabio Paratici and Johan Lange appear to already be working on the club's recruitment drive in unison, with Thomas Frank and the pair reportedly eyeing a new centre-back.
Spurs transfer plans amid Paratici and Lange appointments
Spurs announced on Wednesday that Paratici has returned to N17 as a sporting director, over two years after he was forced to resign amid his worldwide ban from football.
Paratici's comeback to the club is a major boost for the Lilywhites, with the Italian's extensive contact list and reputation as a fearsome negotiator already paying dividends at Tottenham in the past.
The 53-year-old worked as an advisor to Frank, CEO Vinai Venkatesham, Lange and ex-chairman Daniel Levy over the summer window, but Paratici will now take up an official full-time role once again as he spearheads the club's transfer strategy.
He will work alongside Lange, who's been promoted to the same role, though the pair have very different responsibilities.
Paratici is seen as the dealmaker, tasked with securing high-profile signings and using his influence to get transfers over the line, while Lange is described as the talent spotter who'll work mostly on Tottenham's date-driven recruitment plans, scouting and the academy (Sky Sports).
Amid reports Tottenham want to sign another centre-half in January to back up star duo Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, a report from CaughtOffside suggests that Paratici and Lange have identified an intriguing option.
Tottenham expected to move for Lazio defender Mario Gila
As per their information, that man is Lazio defender Mario Gila.
Tottenham are seriously considering a January move for Gila, with the club emerging as a “serious candidate” to land the defender. His contract at Lazio runs until the summer of 2027, and while the Italians are not in a rush to sell, they value Gila at roughly £39-43 million.
It is claimed that Spurs aren't afraid to meet this price, showing a willingness to pay, with Paratici and Lange expected to make an approach for Gila once the window reopens.
The 25-year-old, who was once a Real Madrid youth player, has attracted serious interest from other Premier League clubs, like Brighton and Bournemouth, who've both held talks with the player's representatives this year.
However, Tottenham’s openness to meeting Lazio’s valuation could give them an edge.
Gila's knack for ball progression, which Frank seriously desires from his backline, is apparently a key reason why Spurs are keen on the Spaniard.
It is also worth noting that Gila has already suggested he's open to offers, expressing his commitment to Lazio last year but also refusing to rule out an exit in the near future.