Tottenham Hotspur were linked with the reported Everton target last summer – and they should return.
The Mirror reported on Thursday that Brighton & Hove Albion and Everton were battling to sign AC Milan hitman Gianluca Lapadula.
But there’s another Premier League club who should also join the race.
Tottenham Hotspur were linked with the 27-year-old last summer, before the Italian forward ultimately joined Milan.
But if a move to England is in the offing this summer then there is no reason why Mauricio Pochettino should not be in the queue to bring him to Tottenham.
Twelve months on and Spurs still need another striking option after Vincent Janssen – who scored six goals in 38 games last season, but four were penalties – struggled to justify the £17 million spent on bringing him to North London.
Lapadula failed to set San Siro alight following his £7.8 million switch from Pescara, largely being a bit-part player, but eight Serie A goals in 12 starts should make Spurs boss Pochettino wonder whether he should return.
Having just spent a lot of last season on a bench, Lapadula might not be prepared to spend another 12 months watching Harry Kane bang them in, which might give Everton the advantage as they scout replacements for the linked-away Romelu Lukaku.
Toffees boss Ronald Koeman is far more likely to convince the striker that regular football awaits him should he move to Goodison Park, but there is no harm in Tottenham trying to sign him.
Can he be any more underwhelming than Janssen was this past season?
The Dutchman, in his defence, is five years younger and he could be far more accomplished than Lapadula is when he reaches 27, but the Italian might be a better option for now.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
