Tottenham get ‘serious’ about transfer Paratici previously ruled out

Tottenham Hotspur have learned why they have a good chance of signing Dejan Kulusevski from Juventus in January, per an Italian report.

After a busy summer in which they signed Cristian Romero, Emerson Royal, Bryan Gil and Pierluigi Gollini (as well as Pape Matar Sarr before loaning him out), Tottenham are now preparing for the January transfer window.

There is fresh reason to believe it will be a busy month again. After the appointment of Antonio Conte, Spurs have a squad to build in a new image.

Managing director Fabio Paratici has been trying to shift the focus away from the winter window and more towards their immediate challenges on the pitch. However, work will likely be underway in the background.

One player who has repeatedly been linked with Tottenham is Kulusevski. The Sweden international enjoyed a positive debut season in Turin but has not been as prominent this term.

So far, under Max Allegri, Kulusevski has made just two starts in Serie A. He is yet to score in the competition, although he does have one goal to his name from one of his four substitute appearances in the Champions League.

In recent months, his Juventus future has taken a dramatic turn. When Paratici was working for the Serie A side, he protected Kulusevski as one of only two non-transferable players in the Juve squad (along with Matthijs De Ligt).

The situation has now changed. As detailed by Calciomercato, the Old Lady could sell Kulusevski to make room for other attacking targets, like Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic. In fact, they expect offers and will listen to the proposals that arrive.

Spurs' three-man shortlist from Serie A

Antonio Conte has a reported three-man shortlist from the Serie A for January's transfer window, with more news on former Italy forward Antonio Cassano slamming Spurs pair Conte and Fabio Paratici.

Paratici could yet come to Kulusevski’s rescue by taking him to Tottenham.

Fiorentina and Atalanta are listed as suitors for the winger, but he wants a bigger stage. The report reminds that Tottenham have shown an interest. They may get “serious” about signing him if Daniel Levy gives the green light.

In fact, it could occur as part of a double operation. Additionally, Spurs are also keen on Juve midfielder Weston McKennie.

Juventus set Kulusevski price tag

Individually, Juventus are hoping to earn at least €35m from selling Kulusevski, so there is a starting point for negotiations.

The wide man may be considering a change of scenery so his promise does not stagnate. However, last month, he indicated that his mind was not on the transfer market.

Kulusevski said to Sportbladet: “There will always be rumours when you play football.

“It’s good that more teams are interested. But that’s not something I think about.

“I only focus on the next match, otherwise you do not enjoy things.”

Under contract in Turin until 2025, he may not be enjoying things too much there at present given his lack of action. Tottenham may be able to provide the solution, although they won’t be the only suitors.

READ MORE: Conte wants unlikely Tottenham reunion despite Levy having different target