According to the print edition of Corriere di Verona (as relayed by Sport Witness), Antonio Conte has instructed the Tottenham hierarchy to sign Hellas Verona midfielder Antonin Barak.
The speculation linking Tottenham with a move for Barak has been growing steadily over the past few weeks, on the back of the attacking midfielder’s impressive campaign, which has seen him accumulate 15 goal contributions in the Serie A so far (Transfermarkt).
TuttoMercatoWeb reported last month that Barak was on Tottenham’s radar ahead of the summer, with the publication stating the north Londoners were ‘pressing strongly’ for the midfielder.
This was subsequently followed up by a report by Mundo Udinese, who claimed that Conte could convince the Verona star to unite with him in North London this summer.
Corriere di Verona have now gone a step further, suggesting that the Spurs head coach has specifically requested Barak’s signing.
It is suggested the attacking midfielder’s work rate, intensity and propensity for goals appeal to the Italian coach.
The report adds that Verona are ‘almost certain’ to cash in on Barak and reinvest the funds from his sale into the squad.
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Napoli are also said to be ‘very very attentive’ to the situation of the Czech Republic international, who is said to be valued by Verona at €25m (£21.5m).
Spurs Web Opinion
I think there could well be legs in this particular transfer rumour as Conte does need a number eight this summer to potentially have the option of shifting to a 3-5-2 in some matches if he deems necessary.
Barak would be suited to the Italian’s requirements and would come relatively cheap in comparison to some of the other attacking midfielders who produce a similar level of output in the final third.
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