Tottenham are reportedly eyeing a move to bring in Luciano Spalletti this summer if Antonio Conte does leave the North London club – and a move to land Spalletti may see Spurs finally get a deal done for defender Kim Min-jae.
Conte’s contract remains due to expire at the end of the season. There has been no sign as to whether he will stay, or go. In the event of the latter, Spurs need to put a contingency plan in place. Spalletti is on the list to come in.
Spalletti, 63, is starring as Napoli manager. Taking over in 2021, he has guided Napoli to the top of the Serie A table this season. They look set to win the title; 15 points clear. They are in the Champions League knockout rounds, too.
Italian newspaper Il Mattino report this week that Tottenham are looking at Spalletti, who like Conte, will see his deal expire in June. But they are not alone – with Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and Everton also keeping tabs.
A previous report from Il Mattino states that Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester United are all looking to activate Kim’s £43m release clause. Spurs have been linked with Son Heung-min’s South Korea teammate for some time.
Tottenham landing Spalletti may see Spurs finally do deal for Kim Min-jae
Indeed, Kim has been linked with Spurs back into the Jose Mourinho era, while he was at Fenerbahce. He has since gone to Napoli, helping his side keep 13 clean sheets in 30 games. In those 30 outings, Napoli have let in 21 goals.
He has been “sensational”, according to Danny Murphy. In the form of his life, under Spalletti. So, with Spurs looking at Kim and Son a player he knows well, Spalletti moving to Tottenham would tempt Kim over a move to the club.
Whether Spurs can push aside the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool in the race to land Kim, remains to be seen. Finishing in the top four will be pivotal. But having Spalletti in the dugout would see Spurs finally get him.
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