Bologna aren’t currently in talks with Tottenham Hotspur over a deal to sign Takehiro Tomiyasu, managing director Claudio Fenucci has told TMW.
Just three days ago, Calciomercato reported the Japan international had agreed a deal in principle with Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.
Tomiyasu has apparently been given the green light for a switch to north London, while Spurs had expressed a willingness to pay the £17 million Bologna want for their versatile, all-action centre-back.
After Fenucci’s claims, however, we’re not certain what – or indeed who – to believe.
It’s no secret Spurs are interested in Tomiyasu – Bologna chief Riccardo Bigon admitted in June Tottenham had “made a bid” – but a lot can change in a fortnight.
Since Bigon broke his silence, Spurs appear to have turned their focus on Atalanta’s Cristian Romero and Fiorentina’s Nikola Milenkovic, meaning Tomiyasu is stuck in limbo ahead of Bologna’s Serie A opener against newly promoted Salernitana on 22 August.
Could Takehiro Tomiyasu sign for West Ham instead of Tottenham?
“He could stay with Bologna,” Fenucci said before indicating transfer talks had stalled.
“There is interest from different clubs, as there are and have been for other players. At the moment, there are no negotiations (for Tomiyasu).
“Since returning to Serie A, we have invested a lot. So, like everyone else, sooner or later we’ll be able to consider some transfers but, at the moment, there are no advanced negotiations.”
If Tottenham aren’t going to step up their pursuit of a man who can play anywhere across the back four, don’t be surprised to see Tomiyasu make his name 12 miles down the road at the London Stadium instead.
West Ham United are also in the market for a new defender, with Tomiyasu one of the names under consideration.
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