Tottenham Hotspur target Ruslan Malinovskyi is ‘admired’ by manager Antonio Conte following some impressive displays for Atalanta, according to journalist Dean Jones.
The 29-year-old was heavily linked with a move to Spurs over the summer transfer window and could finally make the switch to Hotspur Way when the market re-opens for business.
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Conte has recently stated that he needs additional transfer windows to ‘reach a good level’, sparking speculation that the Tottenham hierarchy could back him once more in January.
“I spoke about the transfer market, that we needed more transfer markets to reach a good level,” said the Italian tactician. “We know this. At the same time, we want to be competitive, to try to do everything.”
And Il Giorno have claimed that Tottenham have now made contact with Atalanta’s head of recruitment Lee Congerton over a potential deal for Malinovskyi.
The Ukraine international is reportedly valued at £13 million despite his current £19,000-per-week deal only having around seven months left to run at the Gewiss Stadium.
Fellow Premier League outfits Nottingham Forest and West Ham United are also listed amongst Malinovskyi’s admirers.
What has Jones said about Malinovskyi?
In an interview with GiveMeSport, Jones said: “He’s definitely a player who’s admired by Conte, and we know that they want a forward-thinking player as well as a centre-back in the next transfer window.
Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know
“In that sense, Malinovskyi might actually fit the bill, he’s got an attacking style out of the midfield. I think that’s probably what you’re actually looking for here for Tottenham more than an out-and-out centre-forward.
“We know Conte trusts Serie A when going to look for signings, and he’ll know the ones that he thinks will fit in the Premier League.”
Would Malinovskyi be a good signing?
Malinovskyi is an attacking midfielder who has registered 30 goals and 28 assists in 142 appearances for Atalanta across all competitions, taking his senior career tally up to 74 strikes.
So far this season, though, the 5 foot 11 ace has only started five Serie A fixtures, racking up three goal contributions in his 14 outings, although he has still managed to put up some eye-catching underlying numbers.
As per FBref, Malinovskyi has ranked in the 96th percentile for total shots and progressive passes, 95th for shot-creating actions, 85th for completed dribbles, and 84th for aerial duels won and blocks amongst his positional peers over the last year.
Malinovskyi, who has been described as ‘glorious’, could prove to be a valuable addition to Conte’s side, therefore, especially if Tottenham can secure his services in a cut-price deal.
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