Tottenham on pole to sign £25m man ‘in sharp decline’, offers on the table

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Tottenham Hotspur may improve Antonio Conte’s squad in the January transfer window by raiding Jose Mourinho, with Spurs on pole position for Roma midfielder Jordan Veretout.

That’s according to Il Messaggero, who note the Giallorossi are considering changes in their engine room this month. The Serie A side are weighing up Veretout and Amadou Diawara’s futures at the Stadio Olimpico, with neither certain for long-term places in Mourinho’s side.

Diawara is currently at the Africa Cup of Nations, but has remained in constant contact with his agent. The Guinea international also has offers on the table, with one from Valencia and one from Galatasaray. A third unnamed club has also submitted a bid for the 24-year-old.

Roma want one of Veretout or Diawara gone in January

Roma want to offload at least one of Veretout or Diawara this month so Mourinho can sign a new option. The former Spurs boss has only fielded Diawara eight times so far this season across all competitions. He has also only started four of his outings, with two in the league.

Meanwhile, the sale of Veretout is currently more unlikely than Diawara leaving the Stadio Olimpico. Clubs have submitted offers for the Frenchman, but Mourinho has relied on the 28-year-old in 28 games. He has also started 27 times, scored four goals and eight assists.

Tottenham are on pole position if Veretout leaves Roma during the January transfer sales, however. Even though Il Messaggero note the five-cap international is ‘in sharp decline’.

Conte driving Tottenham interest in transfer for Roma midfielder Veretout

A factor that is likely aiding Tottenham’s position in the Veretout transfer race is that the Roma midfielder likes the idea of playing under Antonio Conte, Calciomercato report. He admires the Italian from his Serie A-winning spell with Inter Milan from 2019 to 2021.

Conte is also the one driving Tottenham’s interest in Veretout, who Roma value at €25m-30m (£21m-25m) for a January transfer. He has two-and-a-half-years left on his contract.