Italian journalist Ciro Venerato has been speaking to Tottenham’s new Director of Football Fabio Paratici, and he had some transfer news to share.
What’s the story?
Speaking on Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli, Venerato claimed he had spoken to Paratici moments before coming on air.
Specifically, he asked the Italian about Tottenham’s interest in Napoli forward Lorenzo Insigne, while Ben Davies also came up.
In quotes relayed by Area Napoli, the journalist said: “Thirty minutes ago, I had an exchange of messages with Fabio Paratici, now manager (director) of Tottenham. He told me that Insigne will not land in the Premier League.”
Now, that’s poured cold water on Tottenham’s parade a bit.
Of course, things can change very quickly in the transfer market.
However, by the sounds of it, Insigne – who scored 19 goals for Napoli last season – will not be joining Tottenham this summer.
What was said about Ben Davies?
While Tottenham are interested in taking a player from Napoli, the Serie A outfit are keen to poach a player from Spurs too.
That man is Ben Davies. However, based on Paratici’s comments, Napoli will have to stump up the cash if they want to bring him to Naples.
Venerato claims Paratici said Spurs want to keep Davies, but will consider offers of over €30 million (£26 million) for the Welshman.
Venerato said: “Ben Davies in Azzurri? Paratici told me that Tottenham want to keep him, but if he leaves, they would only consider offers over €30 million.”
In our view, perhaps a swap deal could be struck.
Tottenham have Ryan Sessegnon to replace Davies, so using the left-back as a bargaining chip to land targets isn’t the worst idea in the world.
It all depends on how highly Napoli value Insigne.
If they deem their forward to be more important than signing a new left-back, then we feel a swap deal is highly unlikely to happen.
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