Tottenham Hotspur have received a major blow in their efforts to prise midfielder Antonio Vergara away from Napoli this summer.
Tottenham’s interest in the 23-year-old is not new, with Italian outlets claiming that Spurs failed with a move for Vergara during the January window.
Over recent days, CalcioNapoli24 and other outlets have reported that Roberto De Zerbi’s men have now reignited their interest in the versatile Napoli star, but they are not expected to have a free run at the player.
The same website suggested that the Serie A giants were willing to sell the midfielder for €30m (£26m) as Como and Roma joined the Lilywhites in the transfer race.
New Napoli manager makes decision on Tottenham target Antonio Vergara
A new report from Corriere dello Sport (as relayed by Sport Witness) has now confirmed that Spurs did indeed express an interest in the former Italy U19 international.
The outlet claims that Tottenham’s interest had ‘initially tempted Napoli’ over the sale of Vergara, who only made 12 Serie A appearances under Antonio Conte last season.
However, it is revealed that the player’s situation is now changing as Max Allegri is edging closer to being appointed as the club’s next head coach.
It is alleged that Allegri is keen on keeping Vergara in Naples, and the experienced Italian coach believes that he can get the best out of the young attacking midfielder.
What is Vergara’s stance on his future?
Corriere dello Sport say that the Tottenham target is not pushing for an exit from the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium despite his struggles for game time last season.
The outlet claims that Vergara would ‘gladly stay’ with the Partenopei if Allegri expresses a desire to keep him at the club.
It was revealed recently by Fabrizio Romano that Napoli have not had any concrete discussions with Spurs over Vergara’s sale.