According to Tutto Atalanta, West Ham have joined Tottenham in the race to sign Ruslan Malinovskyi from Atalanta.
What’s the story?
Well, the 29-year-old has already entered the final 12 months of his contract with the Serie A side, and he is keen to test himself in the Premier League with Spurs.
Malinovskyi’s wife has even followed Antonio Conte on Instagram, and the Italian allegedly plans to use the Ukraine international as a rotational option with Dejan Kulusevski if the move materialises.
However, West Ham are now involved, and seem to have complicated the matter for Tottenham.
It was said that Atalanta were demanding £20m for Malinovskyi.
Now, Tutto Atalanta believe the Italian side have changed their demands given the volume of interest in their No.18 ahead of the September 1st deadline.
Atalanta now want a sum of €35m (£29m) if they are to sell Malinovskyi, who was the subject of chants from the supporters begging him to stay during Sunday’s 1-1 draw against AC Milan – a game he scored in.
West Ham can beat Tottenham to Malinovskyi
In our view, the east Londoners could soon have a free run at signing the Ukrainian.
It is said that Tottenham hold some reservations about signing Malinovskyi due to his age, and would prefer a loan deal – however, Atalanta want a permanent sale if he does depart.
Therefore, if West Ham come in with a respectable offer, it could propel them straight to the front of the queue.
Marseille held talks with Atalanta over a deal for Malinovskyi at one point, although the attacking midfielder supposedly told the French side that he wanted to join Tottenham, and the move broke down.
Keep an eye on this situation – in our view, West Ham could now decide to abandon their pursuit of Hans Vanaken after seeing two bids rejected and focus on Malinovskyi, but only time will tell.
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