Tottenham have seemingly received a blow in their rumoured pursuit of Hakan Calhanoglu, with CalcioMercato now reporting that the midfielder is ‘very close’ to signing a new contract with Inter Milan.
Calhanoglu has been a mainstay in Inter’s starting eleven since arriving at the club 18 months ago and his current contract with the Nerazzurri runs until 2024 (Transfermarkt).
CMW.it reported at the start of February that Spurs could lay the groundwork for a summer move for the midfielder, with Antonio Conte said to be keen on bringing the Turk to North London.
However, Inter Milan CEO Beppe Marotta confirmed a couple of days ago that the club are in talks with the 29-year-old’s representatives on a new deal (Fabrizio Romano).
If CalicoMercato’s latest update is to be believed, the Serie A club are now on the verge of striking an agreement with Calhanoglu.
The report reveales that despite their economic problems, Inter saw tying the experienced midfielder down to a new contract as a priority.
It is asserted that there has already been a ‘handshake’ between the two parties on a four-year deal worth €6m (£5.2m) per season, with an official announcement now being awaited.
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If Inter have offered Calhanoglu such a large contract, that could be significant for the future of Alessandro Bastoni.
Given the Serie A club’s financial issues, it remains to be seen if they would be able to meet the centre-back’s salary demands as one would expect Tottenham to be in touch with the 23-year-old’s agent and promise him a bumper contract.