Tottenham looking to pair Sweden midfielder with Kulusevski in summer raid but face Man Utd hurdle
Tottenham have reportedly stepped up their efforts to bring in Bologna midfielder Mattias Svanberg this summer after learning of an update on the player’s current situation.
The 23-year-old was a target for sporting director Fabio Paratici in the January transfer window, but Spurs ended up landing his Sweden teammate Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur from Juventus instead.
However, a report from Sport has added some fuel to the fire that a summer deal could be on.
The report states that Svanberg is set to quit Bologna for a top club at the end of the season. But Tottenham will face major competition from Manchester United for the player’s services.
Italian sides Juventus, Inter Milan, Roma and AC Milan are also keen after Svanberg emerged as one of the rising stars of Swedish football in recent seasons.
The midfielder made his debut for Bologna during the 2018-19 campaign. He has since gone on to make 102 competitive appearances for the club, scoring nine times.
He is renowned for his versatility and non-stop energy engine in the middle of the park. Those are two key features that Antonio Conte loves in midfield players.
The report adds that Svanberg is being eyed as a replacement for Harry Winks, who looks certain to leave this summer.
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Both Crystal Palace and Southampton are reported to have expressed an interest in the England man.
United also keen on Swedish star
But if Conte is to partner Svanberg with Kulusevski next season, Spurs will have to see off United’s challenge.
The Red Devils are said to want the Swede to put pressure on Fred’s place at Old Trafford.
There is also the strong possibility that Paul Pogba will be on his way this summer. That would leave a big opening for a new arrival, although filling Pogba’s boots will not come easy.
The Frenchman has shown flashes of genius after returning from Juventus. However, his lack of consistency has seen United seemingly happy to let him run down his current contract.
The report does finish by stating that Svanberg could opt to remain in Italy instead. He has, after all, made a big name for himself in Serie A and might not want to gamble on trying a different league at a relatively young age.
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