Tottenham Hotspur are planning to ensure they are not in another relegation battle next season, and Roberto De Zerbi is eyeing a raid on his former club to make it happen.
The Lilywhites secured their survival with a win over Everton on the final day of the campaign, sending West Ham into the Championship and cementing the future of a number of top players at the club. But the manager is keen to strengthen the squad, and bring in players to suit his tactical needs.
The best way for him to do that quickly is to sign players he has worked with previously, and it has now emerged that the Italian is taking a close look at some former players ahead of the summer window.
Tottenham Eyeing Baleba Transfer Hijack
According to a report by Miguel Delaney, Tottenham are eyeing a move to sign Brighton midfield sensation Carlos Baleba this summer.
Baleba, who has been described as 'world-class', has been strongly linked with a move away from the AMEX Stadium this summer, with Man Utd understood to be strong suitors for his signature. In fact, it has been reported that Baleba already has a verbal agreement over a move to Old Trafford.
However, De Zerbi is hopeful of hijacking that move by entering the race for his former midfielder, and using his relationship with the player to convince him to move to north London instead.
The Cameroon international won't be cheap, however, with Brighton understood to be demanding around £100m for his services, as they look to keep their squad strong following qualification for the Conference League next season.
Tottenham are prepared to back De Zerbi fully this summer, but there is an acceptance that it will be difficult for them to do that. However, De Zerbi views Baleba as one of 'his players', and feels there is a deal there than can be done.
Baleba Would Be Perfect Tottenham Addition
Tottenham were seriously lacking with their squad this season when it came to having the legs and fitness to stop opposing teams hurting them, and there aren't many better at combating that problem than Baleba.
The 22-year-old is quick, strong, and has great for for growth, which makes him the absolutely perfect signing for what Spurs are looking to build going forward. But they face a huge ask convincing him to join.
Not only is the transfer fee likely to be huge, but Man Utd have an agreement in place and he has been desperate to make that switch since last year. If anyone can convince him to change it's mind, it's likely to be De Zerbi, but it won't be easy.