The rumours linking Milan Badelj with Tottenham Hotspur won’t go away but latest developments in Italy suggest he’s heading to Milan instead.
A serious injury to midfielder Riccardo Montolivo means AC Milan have upped their game in an attempt to snatch reported Tottenham target Milan Badelj, according to Calciomercato.
Hype surrounding the Fiorentina anchorman increased following a number of impressive performances for Croatia at Euro 2016, with press in both England and Italy linking Mauricio Pochettino’s side with a move.
However, due to fears that captain Montolivo (below) could be sidelined for six months after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament on international duty against Spain, Milan have identified Badelj has their primary transfer target as new manager Vincenzo Montella strives to build a squad capable of resurrecting the fallen giants.
According to Calciomercato, Badelj is refusing to extend a contract that is due to expire in 2018 and Fiorentina may consider selling the former Hamburg midfielder in January.
La Viola’s controversial owners, Andrea and Diego Dalla Valle, have been repeatedly criticised by the club’s fanbase for a lack of investment in the squad in recent years, but obtaining a big fee for a player with his heart set elsewhere makes sound financial sense especially with former Aston Villa midfielder Carlos Sanchez (below) settling impressively in Tuscany.
Badelj, a combative yet technical player combining destructive and creative capabilities, may be the prototype Pochettino midfielder but, with Eric Dier and Moussa Dembele joined by Victor Wanyama (below) in Spurs’ ranks this season, Daniel Levy’s money may well be better spent elsewhere.
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