Tottenham get boost in their pursuit of Serie A starlet.
Tottenham Hotspur managed to escape relegation from the Premier League on the final day of the past season, and the club are looking to reshape their squad this summer.
Bolstering the backline is on top of their agenda after they had one of the worst defensive records in the division, conceding 57 goals in 38 league games. The Hotspur Way chiefs have reached verbal agreements with Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi, who are set to arrive on free transfers respectively from Liverpool and Bournemouth. However, the North Londoners aren’t ready to stop there.
Tottenham have seen their opening bid for defender Jan Paul van Hecke rejected by Brighton and Hove Albion. Roberto De Zerbi wants to reunite with Van Hecke, and it is believed that Spurs are formulating a second offer to reach an agreement with Brighton for the Netherlands international.
Tottenham-linked Atalanta starlet ready to move to a bigger club
There has also been talk of the North Londoners wanting to add a new right-back to their roster amid Pedro Porro’s links with Barcelona. Atalanta full-back Marco Palestra has emerged on Tottenham’s radar following his breakout season on loan with Cagliari in Serie A. He featured in all but one Serie A outing, registering a goal and four assists.
Spurs aren’t the only club interested in the Italian youngster. Liverpool and Newcastle United, as well as a few Serie A giants, are keeping tabs on Marco Palestra, who initially started his career as a midfielder before moving into the right-back/wing-back position. And he spoke to the media on international duty, confirming his desire to join a bigger club.
“I’m ready to make the leap to a big club. This first season as a starter has given me confidence and self-assurance,” Palestra was quoted by Tuttomercatoweb.
Atalanta want no less than €50m for Marco Palestra
Atalanta reportedly want no less than €50m to sell Palestra. Inter Milan remain in the running, but they cannot match Atalanta’s valuation. So, this could open the door for Premier League clubs, including Tottenham, to go for the Italian defensive prospect.
The Lilywhites currently have Pedro Porro and Djed Spence as the right-back options. They could do with Palestra if Porro departs this summer, and at 21, he could develop very well under the watchful eyes of De Zerbi. Quick, strong, technically secure and versatile, the two-cap Italian international could be a fine long-term replacement for Porro.
That said, however, it is difficult to see Spurs splash €50m to sign the Atalanta man.