Tottenham are reportedly considering testing the resolve of Inter Milan by making a move for midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu as a potential replacement for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.
New Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou is keen to strengthen all areas of his squad ahead of the start of the new season, with defence and midfield particular areas of concern for the Australian.
James Maddison has arrived from Leicester to add some creativity in Tottenham’s engine room but there have been strong rumours circulating that Postecoglou is happy to allow Hojbjerg to move on this summer.
The Dane was one of the club’s best performers in a woeful campaign last time around but there are suggestions that his play is too slow for what the former Celtic boss wants from his holding midfielder.
That has led to talk of a move for other targets and that list includes Turkey international Calhanoglu.
The 29-year-old has excelled since his switch from cross-City rivals AC Milan 18 months ago. However, no player at the San Siro is considered ‘non-transferable’ this summer due to the club’s economic predicament.
Calhanoglu’s flexibility makes him an attractive proposition, given that he can play in a variety of midfield positions.
The report from InterLive.it states that Postecolgou’s men could tempt the Nerazzurri by submitting an offer of €35m (£30m) for the player.
Several clubs chasing Inter midfielder
Spurs are not alone in their admiration for the midfielder though, with Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea all linked in the past.
However, the report goes on to say that, as things stand, Inter have no plans to sell the player and will only do so if a ‘shock proposal arrives’.
That could well be on the horizon though, if Spurs opt to cash in on Hojbjerg – especially given that Rodrigo Bentancur is unlikely to be fit for the start of the new campaign.
The absence of the latter is, however, likely to give Yves Bissouma a chance to show what he can do in pre-season after failing to shine in his debut campaign for the club.
[teamtalk]