Euro Paper Talk: Conte settles on commanding 6ft 6in giant to replace Hugo Lloris as Tottenham also get green light to sign £52m Atletico attacker; Leeds hope over £25m forward signing
Tottenham are gearing up for two major signing from LaLiga with a surprise successor for Hugo Lloris first up, Erik ten Hag is begging Man Utd to make a massive transfer splash in January, while Thursday’s Euro Paper Talk offers Leeds fresh hope of a £25m attacker signing.
CONTE DECIDES ON SURPRISE HUGO LLORIS SUCCESSOR
Tottenham boss Antonio Conte has reportedly decided on the man he wants to replace Hugo Lloris as Spurs’ No 1.
The Frenchman has proved one of Tottenham’s best signings of the Premier League era, arriving in a £14m move from Lyon in 2012. Now in his 11th season at Spurs, he has been captain of the north London club since 2015.
And while he signed a new deal at Spurs earlier this year to extend his stay to 2024, there are growing claims that Conte is planning to replace him sooner rather than later.
Now, according to Marca, Conte is readying a 2023 approach to sign Georgian keeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.
The 22-year-old stands at a commanding 6ft 6in and is emerging as one of LaLiga’s best stoppers. Drawing comparisons with Jan Oblak, he is now firmly established as Valencia’s No 1.
Indeed, he made 21 appearances last season and already is an ever-present with nine appearances this.
And while Valencia do not want to sell, a sizeable offer from Spurs will likely twist their arm.
Marca claims Juventus are also keen on a deal for Mamardashvili with the Bianconeri seeking a replacement for Wojciech Szczesny.
However, it is Spurs who are in the driving seat with a potential deal likely to cost around £25m.
Spurs have also been linked with Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Oblak. But both deals are considered beyond their means, with Mamardashvili a far more obtainable target.
Spurs also free to sign Yannick Carrasco
Tottenham are also reportedly clear to sign summer target Yannick Carrasco in January.
The Belgian was the subject of strong interest from Conte over the summer, with Marca claiming they bid around £52m (€60m) for his services.
The offer, though, was rejected with the Belgian a big part of Diego Simeone’s plans at Atletico Madrid.
However, his performances this season have not been up to par with the Argentine coach reportedly regretting the decision to snub Spurs’ approach.
As such, it’s suggested that a fresh bid for his services in January could be enough to persuade Atletico to cash in.
Spurs are not short of options off the wing, but may reportedly make the move should Lucas Moura look to move on.
LEEDS GIVEN FRESH NOA LANG HOPE
Leeds United have been given fresh belief they can sign Noa Lang in a £25m January deal due to the player’s fragile relationship with Club Brugges. (Het Laatste Nieuws)
Erik ten Hag is begging Manchester United chiefs to launch a fresh bid to sign Frenkie de Jong in January – and believes a deal will happen this time. (Sport)
Sport TV pundit Pedro Henriques claims reported Liverpool target Florentino Luis has the skill to play in the Premier League, but is not yet tough enough for life in England amid talk of a £104m switch. (Bancada)
Bayern Munich are stepping up their hunt to sign Harry Kane amid claims the striker is now ready to make the move next summer. (Sky Deutchsland)
Todd Boehly has no interest in keeping Romelu Lukaku at Chelsea and is willing to the striker return to Inter permanently. (Gazzetta dello Sport)
NEW RUMOURS ARISE OVER KYLIAN MBAPPE, NEYMAR SPAT
Despite denials, Kylian Mbappe is making it clear that it is ‘him or Neymar’ to leave Paris Saint-Germain following a falling out between the pair. (AS)
Manchester City are in the running to sign Benfica star Antonio Silva, who has a £87m (€100m) release clause. PSG are also keen on the defender. (Le 10 Sport)
Carlo Ancelotti is indicating Real Madrid still want to keep Marco Asensio. And the Los Blancos boss says talks on his future will take place after the World Cup. (AS)
Galatasaray are reportedly working on a surprise deal to sign Memphis Depay from Barcelona in January. (Sport)
Roberto Firmino is yet to hold talks with Milan or Juventus amid claims they’re trying to lure him from Liverpool. (Fabrizio Romano)
NAPOLI TO MAKE NDOMBELE DEAL PERMANENT
Napoli are ready to turn Tanguy Ndombele’s loan at the club into a permanent £26m (€30m) move in January. (Calciomercato)
Barcelona want to hand Ousmane Dembele another new deal, despite recently extending his stay to 2024. (Sport)
More than two major European clubs are looking to prise Edu from Arsenal after hailing his work as technical director. (Fabrizio Romano)
Wolves winger Adama Traore has outlined his ambitions once again to return to play in LaLiga. (AS)
Barcelona are hopeful of signing Diogo Dalot and Ruben Neves in 2023 as the next phase of their rebuilding. (Mundo Deportivo)
Newcastle are weighing up a £25m January move for Joaquin Correa following claims the winger can leave Inter Milan. (Calciomercato)
