Before the September 1st deadline, it was said that Nottingham Forest target Ruslan Malinovskyi wanted to leave Atalanta for Tottenham.
The Ukraine international had a £20m price tag on his head, although a move to the Premier League failed to materialise.
However, there has now been an update on Malinovskyi in the Italian media.
Ruslan Malinovskyi now more likely to join Nottingham Forest over Tottenham
Well, according to Paolo Bargiggia, the 29-year-old is 60% more likely to move to the City Ground instead of N17.
As quoted by Area Napoli, the journalist said: “Malinovskyi, in all probability, will leave Atalanta. His future could be in England. 60% he will go to Nottingham Forest, 30% to West Ham, another club interested in the player. 10% for other possible destinations.”
Interestingly, Tottenham aren’t even mentioned by Bargiggia, which is a surprise given how intense the links between Tottenham and the Atalanta No.18 were over the summer.
It was even said that Antonio Conte already has specific plans for Malinovskyi – the Italian intends to use him as a rotational option with Dejan Kulusevski.
Malinovskyi has scored one goal while also providing one assist in seven Serie A appearances so far this season, as he attempts to focus on Atalanta after a summer of speculation.
Nottingham Forest or Tottenham could sign Ruslan Malinovskyi for low fee
Interestingly, Malinovskyi becomes a free agent in July 2023 when his contract expires.
Therefore, Atalanta may be willing to cash in on the Ukrainian this January, as it will be their last opportunity to receive a transfer fee for the 29-year-old.
Alternatively, Nottingham Forest or Tottenham could strike a pre-contract agreement with Malinovskyi, which would see him join when his contract does officially expire in the summer.
Keep an eye on this situation, as it certainly doesn’t seem to be over.
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