Tottenham Hotspur could sign one of Antonio Conte's long-term transfer targets for as little as £12.5m this summer...

What's the word?

According to Sky Sport reporter Florian Plettenberg, Bundesliga outfit Frankfurt "would sell" Europa League hero Filip Kostic for around €15m (£12.5m) amid interest from Italy.

The German side are yet to receive a firm offer for the 29-year-old wide man, with Conte's former club Inter Milan said to be keen. Their interest will surely stem from the Italian's stint at the San Siro.

Back in March 2020, Tuttosport (via Goal.com) claimed the Serbian was a key target for the 52-year-old head coach.

Meanwhile, during the winter transfer window, Spurs were mooted with interest in Kostic, as per reports from Spain, who suggested that Conte had requested sporting director Fabio Paratici to sign him.

Sign him up?

For a bargain price of just £12.5m, the Lilywhites would be foolish to not reignite their interest in the Frankfurt star as he could fit in nicely at left wing-back under the Italian boss.

During his time at Inter, Kostic was described as being the "perfect profile for Conte" and it's easy to see why.

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Currently sat on four goals and eight assists for the current campaign, the 6-foot dynamo has now hit double figures for goal contributions in four straight Bundesliga campaigns, including a 14-assist haul in 2020/21, via WhoScored.

Across each of the last three seasons, Kostic has averaged at least 1.5 tackles per game, highlighting his effectiveness defensively as wing-backs will be asked to do a lot of work, both in their own third and in the opposition's half too.

He has also averaged at least 2.4 key passes per outing in that time, a feat that would see him instantly top the charts in north London - clearly, he's just as much of a creator as he is a defensive machine.

By comparison, Sergio Reguilon - the no.1 choice in the role - has managed only six assists across nearly two seasons at the club.

It's no wonder the Serbia international has been lauded as a "mentality monster" by teammate Kevin Trapp and something of an efficient animal by Breaking The Lines analysts.

Valued at £18m by Transfermarkt, Spurs could seal quite the bargain by signing Kostic for nearly £6m less during the off-season. Evidently, Conte is a big, big admirer and he'd look the part in a Lilywhites shirt next season, that's for sure.

AND in other news, Conte can now seal "unbelievable" Spurs deal for "faultless" £41m ace, it'd be a big coup...