Tottenham Hotspur are showing interest in midfielder Aleksandar Stankovic, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
His ‘stellar performances have put Tottenham on notice’ following an impressive start to life in Belgium.
The Spurs target joined Club Brugge this summer and has become a mainstay in the side domestically and in the Champions League.
The 20-year-old is naturally a gritty, tough-tackling defensive midfielder who can take on a more box-to-box role.
Stankovic is sturdy in the air and solid on the ground.
The son of former Inter Milan legend Dejan Stankovic, he is also technically sound, showing a good understanding of the game.
During his successful loan spell with Luzern last term, he demonstrated a knack for scoring free kicks.
However, Spurs are not alone in the race for his signature. Inter have two buyback clauses inserted in his deal and are considering triggering one.
Newcastle have also been put on notice, and with the youngster continuously impressing, expect more clubs to enter the frame for his signature.
Tottenham desperately needed a midfielder of Stankovic’s ilk last summer before signing Joao Palhinha on loan.
While Palhinha does fill the role with aplomb, he is 30 years old, and Spurs need a younger understudy to take the mantle when he is unable to play.
Stankovic’s arrival would also have serious implications for Yves Bissouma’s future in North London.
The Malian was initially expected to rotate with Palhinha, but his form collapsed last season, producing a string of calamitous displays.
He received a clean slate under the new Spurs boss, Thomas Frank, yet irritated the manager by arriving late to meetings.
Injuries have since derailed his campaign, and there is a growing sense within the club that he will be moved on next summer.
Stankovic, with his discipline, tenacity and tactical maturity, profiles as the ideal replacement and a natural understudy to Palhinha.
His signing would effectively signal the end of Bissouma’s Tottenham career, while giving Tottenham a long-term solution in the heart of midfield.