‘Not what Tottenham wanted’ – Fabrizio Romano gives update on midfield target

Fabrizio Romano has revealed that while Tottenham Hotspur continue to hold an interest in Ruslan Malinovskyi, the Premier League club are not in talks with Atalanta at the moment regarding the midfielder.

Despite Tottenham’s pursuit of Malinovskyi falling through back in the summer transfer window, (GiveMeSport) the speculation linking the Ukrainian with a move to the North London club has continued to persist since. 

Fabrizio Romano
Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile for Web Summit via Getty Images

The attacking midfielder’s current deal at the Gewiss Stadium runs out next summer (Transfermarkt) and January would thus be Atalanta’s final opportunity to get a fee for the player if he does not sign a new contract.

CalcioMercato reported earlier this month that Malinovskyi is moving ‘increasingly close’ to Tottenham, with the report adding that a fee of around €15m (£12.9m) would be enough to convince Gian Piero Gasperini’s men to part ways with the 29-year-old.

Romano has now suggested that the ball is still very much in Atalanta’s court regarding the former Genk man’s future.

When asked about Tottenham’s pursuit of Malinovskyi, the journalist told GiveMeSport: “Now it’s on Atalanta to decide if they want to let him go or not.

“Tottenham remain interested in Malinovskyi, but they are not negotiating with Atalanta. That’s because the conditions of the deal right now are not what Tottenham wanted.”

Spurs Web Opinion

Atalanta are not in a position of strength since Malinovskyi does not appear likely to sign a new deal at the club. So, the 29-year-old will likely leave Bergamo next month but I suspect Spurs view the Ukrainian as a potential fallback option if a deal for Weston McKennie or Mohammed Kudus is not successful.

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