Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with the exciting attacker but he allegedly has his heart set on Juventus.
According to a report from the Mirror, Tottenham Hotspur are stepping up their interest in Lazio’s Keita Balde, but this could be one transfer that proves the toughest of the lot in an already frustrating summer for Spurs and their supporters.
As reported by Goal.com earlier this month, Balde favours a move to Juventus this summer despite the Turin giants having more than one bid turned down already.
With the 22-year-old allegedly rejecting a new contract offer at Lazio and holding out for a move to the Serie A champions, Tottenham will have to pull one hell of a rabbit out of the hat to get this deal over the line.
Balde has already reportedly turned down two moves to England this summer, despite Lazio accepting £26million offers on both occasions.
Il Messaggero claimed the player turned down a transfer to Everton in June, while no move materialised despite Goal.com in Italy claiming an offer from West Ham United had matched Lazio’s asking price.
In short, Balde seems to have no interest in moving to England, and while Tottenham’s presence in the Champions League and second-placed finish last time out may be appealing, the young winger appears to have his heart firmly set on a move to Juventus.
The problem for Tottenham in this instance is not the price tag. With just a year left on his current deal Balde is relatively cheap. The issue comes because as much as Lazio know they have to cash in, Juventus know the player wants them and could try to low-ball as a result.
Only time will tell how this one plays out, although with Balde knowing he holds all the cards and could simply see out his contract at Lazio before moving to Juventus next summer, Tottenham could be fighting a losing battle just when they need a win.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
