Antonio Conte has identified Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella as a target for if he stays on as manager of Tottenham Hotspur. But Spurs may need to fight Liverpool for a transfer.
That is according to CalcioMercatoWeb, which reports that Conte has asked Tottenham to sign Barella if they want him to stay on. The Italian tactician is out of contract at Spurs this summer. But he is increasingly unlikely to remain at their helm beyond the current season.
Yet Conte has not yet entirely ruled out agreeing to extend his tenure in north London. The 53-year-old is open to debating a new contract with Spurs if chairman Daniel Levy assures the coach that he and managing director Fabio Paratici will improve the quality of the side.
Antonio Conte asks Tottenham to target a transfer for Nicolo Barella of Inter Milan
The transfer Conte covets the most to stay on as manager of Tottenham would be for Inter Milan maestro Barella. He has identified the 26-year-old as one of the targets Spurs should strive to seal once the sales start. But the San Siro hierarchy are loath to grant a departure.
Nerazzurri chairman Giuseppe Marotta and sporting director Piero Ausilio will seek bids of at least €60-70m (£53-62m) to hold talks. Inter Milan are extremely reluctant to let Barella go with the 42-cap Italy international an instrumental presence in boss Simone Inzaghi’s team.
Barella, who is under contract until June 2026, has featured in 34 of their 37 fixtures so far this season. He has also started 32 games, whilst scoring six and assisting eight goals in all competitions. The midfielder has five goals and seven assists through 25 Serie A matches.
Tottenham may have to rival Liverpool to sign the midfielder this summer
But Tottenham may have to rival Liverpool to secure a transfer with Inter Milan for Barella if Conte stays on. Inter Live has reported that Jurgen Klopp also rates the midfielder highly and could target a deal. The Reds are also putting plans in place for their potential pursuit.
Liverpool are mulling offering Fabinho to Inter Milan to lower the Nerazzurri’s dream €90-100m (£79.5-88m) price tag. The Brazilian may go to San Siro in part exchange for the Italy ace. But Inter chairman Marotta only intends to listen to bids that exclusively include cash.
Alternatively, CalcioMercatoWeb has reported that Liverpool could sell Thiago Alcantara to AC Milan to raise funds to pursue Inter’s Barella. Anfield chiefs are reluctant to see the 31-year-old leave Merseyside for free in 2024. He has just one year remaining on his contract.
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