Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur

Premier League • England

Former target back on Tottenham radar as price drop to ease winter swoop

Nahitan Nandez Cagliari 2021 TEAMtalk21

Tottenham look set to reignite their interest in midfielder Nahitan Nandez after it emerged Cagliari will further reduce their price to aid his winter exit.

The 25-year-old has been with the Italian side since August 2019, penning a five-year deal at Sardegna Arena. But he has been linked with an exit for some time, with many clubs thought to be keen last summer. Leeds United were among them but eventually dropped their interest.

The likes of Inter Milan, West Ham and Spurs were all mentioned in connection with the player. However, it was the link to the north Londoners that appeared to remain firm.

And they were given hope of a deal back in early October. The player’s agent, Pablo Bentancur, revealed that club officials are willing to overlook his €36m release clause.

They are happy to allow him to leave in the winter window and Antonio Conte is an admirer. And that promise has been backed up by more recent reports, suggesting that an exit is inevitable.

That is because Cagliari are willing to compromise further on his fee, according to Calciomercato. The Uruguay international began his career with Penarol in his homeland before moving to Boca Juniors.

Cagliari took note and he has become a vital part of the side, with 83 appearances in all competitions. He is known for his work rate and aggression in a defensive midfield role and has played 49 times for his country.

Nandez fits Tottenham bill

Conte has been charged with the task of getting Spurs back on track. They currently sit seventh after an indifferent start to the campaign that saw Nuno Espirito Santo lose his job.

Antonio Conte 'keen' on Roma's Nicolo Zaniolo

Antonio Conte 'keen' on Roma's Nicolo Zaniolo

Tottenham are reportedly keen on sealing a deal for Roma midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo, who’s struggling for game time under former Spurs boss Jose Mourinho, with more news on Matthijs de Ligt, Franck Kessie and Dusan Vlahovic.

The Italian needs to add to his midfield ranks and Nandez’s versatility could be an asset. He normally operates on the right side of midfield but can play centrally as well.

The schemer does not score many goals but has assisted nine during his spell with the Serie A outfit. Other clubs will enter the picture as Napoli and Conte’s former team Inter Milan are also interested.

Tottenham manager Antonio Conte during their 2-1 victory over Leeds United

Conte also has his eyes on Weston McKennie as he looks to add quality to his ranks. There has also been talk of a move for Roma star Nicolo Zaniolo.

But whether Jose Mourinho would sanction his exit is open to debate.

READ MORE: Priority Tottenham target ignores Arsenal calls, but rules out January exit