Tottenham Hotspur have explored a move for a Ukraine international, who has thrived under Roberto De Zerbi in the past.
Spurs have made wholesale changes to their squad this summer, having bought eight new players through the door.
All three departments have undergone some big changes, which was always expected after the club’s horror show in the Premier League last season.
However, one position where the Lilywhites have resisted the urge to strengthen significantly is in goal, with Antonin Kinsky being backed as the club’s new number one.
Tottenham have kept an eye on Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin
Spurs have signed Martin Dubravka to be an understudy, replacing the experienced Guglielmo Vicario, but Kinsky clearly has the faith of De Zerbi, who has insisted that the Czech goalkeeper can become one of the best in the world.
Tottenham insider, Paul O’Keefe, has now confirmed that Tottenham never held any interest in Emiliano Martinez, who is now on his way to Chelsea, but revealed that they had a ‘glancing eye’ on Anatoliy Trubin.
The Ukrainian worked under De Zerbi at Shakhtar Donetsk, and he has been extremely reliable between the sticks for Benfica since moving to the Portuguese giants three years ago.
O’Keefe wrote on X: “The link (to Martinez) made little sense. Would be a Levy special. Not great with feet, which is an absolute fundamental for Roberto. They had a glancing eye at Anatoliy Trubin. I wouldn’t say it will happen but one to watch. Roberto had him at Shakhtar.”
Trubin has given a come-and-get-me plea to Spurs
O’Keefe is not the first to report this, with various sources suggesting earlier this summer that Spurs considered a move for the Benfica goalkeeper.
In fact, at the start of the transfer window, Trubin remarked that he would love to reunite with De Zerbi at N17, admitting that he loved his time with the Italian coach.
According to reports from Portugal, Benfica value the rumoured Tottenham target at around €40m (£34m).