Tottenham on alert as defensive target says he couldn’t turn them down

Timothy Castagne, Dries Mertens

Atalanta right-back Timothy Castagne has admitted that he would not be able to turn down a move to Tottenham Hotspur.

Jose Mourinho is on the hunt for a new right-back this summer, with Serge Aurier failing to convince. Spurs had been in the market for Thomas Meunier, but were disappointed when he joined Borussia Dortmund instead.

As an alternative, Tottenham could turn to another Belgian international in Castagne. The 24-year-old has played his part in Atalanta’s growth over the past few years, but could now be ready for the next step.

Castagne is out of contract next summer, so Atalanta must decide whether to cash in on him when the transfer window opens.

Reports have linked him with a move to Spurs – or indeed PSG, to replace Meunier. And Castagne would be happy with either destination – even admitting he hopes the news is concrete.

“I think the time has come to move on, but I won’t be disappointed if I stay in Bergamo,” Castagne told La Derniere Heure in Belgium.

“I’m very proud of this. It’s proof that hard work pays off. I hope it’s more than just simple interest from them.”

A move to Tottenham may raise eyebrows given the fact that Castagne supported Arsenal growing up. However, the versatile full-back insists that is in the past, and he would not be able to reject Spurs.

“I was especially a fan when Thierry Henry played for them. Now I’m not so much,” he explained.

“You have to be honest with yourself. When a team like PSG or Tottenham come knocking on your door, you can’t say ‘no’.”

 

CASTAGNE DREAMING OF PREMIER LEAGUE

It’s not the first time Castagne has opened up on a potential move to England. When asked about his ideal next destination back in May, the defender told RTBF that he could see himself in the Premier League.

“I’ll tell the truth, if I could choose my next destination, I’d lean towards England,” he said at the time.

“I like that Premier League style of football, but I don’t have a preferred club. They are all good.”

Castagne has started just 11 games in Serie A this season, having slipped down the pecking order. However, he has an impressive record of two goals from seven international caps for Belgium.