Tottenham Hotspur have received a boost in pursuit of their eighth signing of the summer transfer window...
What's the word?
The Lilywhites have been linked with a move for versatile Atalanta midfielder Ruslan Malinovskyi in recent weeks and now it has been revealed that he wants to make the switch to north London.
“I believe Ruslan Malinovskyi wants to join Tottenham and Conte is open to signing him," recently claimed Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor to GIVEMESPORT.
"But Atalanta would like a permanent deal, whereas I don’t think Spurs are entirely set on that at the moment. He is 29 and there’s also been talks with Marseille."
Recent reports suggested that Spurs had leapfrogged Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest in the race for the Ukraine international, whilst the Ligue 1 outfit were said to have dropped out of the running due to Malinovskyi's desire to play for Antonio Conte.
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Big boost for 8th signing
With the Serie A side reportedly wanting around €18m (£15m) for Malinovskyi, Spurs sporting director Fabio Paratici ought to just meet their demands as Conte would be getting his ideal player.
With Tanguy Ndombele and Giovani Lo Celso shipped out on loan and Harry Winks also heading for the exit door, the need for a new midfielder could increase in the final few days of the transfer window, particularly as only Yves Bissouma has been signed in the role.
Tottenham have also lacked a creative presence capable of not just creating key chances but also delivering goals and that's exactly what Malinovskyi could bring to the table.
Last season, the Ukraine star provided Atalanta with ten goals and seven assists across all competitions, whilst playing as a no.8, no.10, a second striker and out wide, as per Transfermarkt.
He also proved to be a busy presence in the opposition's half, where he has ranked inside the top 4% for progressive passes (5.88) per 90, the top 5% for expected assists (0.32) per 90 and the top 6% for shot-creating actions (5.16) per 90 when compared to fellow attacking midfielders or wingers in Europe, via FBref.
Malinovksyi's wand of a left foot is a particularly strong attribute of his, having been lauded as a "cannon" and as "stunning" by those that have watched him in the media.
As such, it would be wise for Paratici to pay the £15m required to seal his signature as Conte would be getting a very versatile and creative piece as his eighth and likely last bit of business this summer transfer window.
AND in other news, Spurs eye "shock" swoop for "headless" £25m dud, it could be Paratici's first blunder...