Journalist claims Spurs interest in 25-year-old ‘should be taken with a grain of salt’

Italian journalist Ciro Venerato has claimed that one cannot read too much into Tottenham’s interest in Napoli goalkeeper Alex Meret, given the uncertainty over the futures of Antonio Conte and Fabio Paratici.

Tottenham are thought to be on the lookout for Hugo Lloris’ successor, with a whole host of goalkeepers being linked with a move to the North London club over recent months (Daily Mail).

Meret is one of the names mooted as a target for Spurs, with La Repubblica (via Calcio Napoli 24) reporting last month that the Lilywhites men are monitoring the Napoli number one.

However, Conte’s future at Tottenham is far from certain, with the Italian’s current contract running out in the summer (Tranfermarkt).

Paratici’s position at the club is also up in the air, with the Spurs managing director awaiting the verdict of the appeal after he was handed a 30-month suspension following Juventus’ capital gains trial in Italy (Gianluca Di Marzio).

Some sources have suggested over recent weeks that Tottenham are already looking into Paratici’s potential successors as they await the result of the verdict (CMW.it).

Venerato believes that this uncertainty at the North London club could prevent them from pushing ahead with moves for any transfer targets.

The journalist told 1 Station Radio (21/02/23 as relayed by Forza Azzurri): “Tottenham were interested [in Alex Meret], but in the light of the evolution regarding the permanence of Conte and Paratici, I cannot say how much the Londoners can sink the blow. Any market story should be taken with a grain of salt.

“I suppose, in fact, that any English sirens would certainly not be ruled out by the boy and his entourage. This is why the club followed [Gianluca] Vicario with interest. I don’t exclude, however, that the parties may find an agreement for the continuation of the relationship.”

Spurs Web Opinion

The uncertainty over Paratici’s future will have a bigger impact on Tottenham’s transfer business than Conte’s future, with the 50-year-old being the main man overseeing all footballing decisions, including the appointment of the next head coach.

The way Spurs are operating at the moment, with Paratici still being the face of their football operations, suggests that the club are confident that the Italian’s suspension will be struck down.