According to Italian outlet Sportmediaset, Antonio Conte has picked Dusan Vlahovic as his priority signing at Tottenham Hotspur.
The Lowdown: Conte arrives at Spurs
After the sacking of Nuno Espirito Santo following Spurs’ 3-0 defeat to Manchester United, Antonio Conte has been appointed as the club’s new manager, as the Lilywhites confirmed their quick turnaround in the dugout on Tuesday morning.
“I know first-hand the qualities Antonio can bring to us, having worked with him at Juventus,” said Fabio Paratici, and it looks like the pair are already identifying transfer targets.
As per The Sun, he will receive a £150m transfer budget.
The Latest: Vlahovic is priority
It appears, as per this report, that Conte wants Vlahovic in particular.
It says that Fiorentina General Director Joe Barone and Sporting Director Daniele Prade have been spotted in London recently for a meeting with the Lilywhites bosses, and that the towering striker is the ‘first’ target for the new manager.
Apparently, the Spurs chiefs consider the demands of €60-70m to be too steep, but are still seriously considering a move.
The Verdict: Star quality
Vlahovic has emerged as one of European football’s hottest prospects over the past year or so. Last term, he found the back of the net 21 times in Serie A, and has already done so eight times in 11 outings this campaign (Transfermarkt). Such has been the nature of his performances, he has even been compared to Erling Haaland (Corriere dello Sport via Football Italia).
Valued at £45m (Transfermarkt), La Viola wanting €60-70m (£51-60m) for the Serbia international is undoubtedly a huge amount of money.
Still, with Harry Kane currently not firing – he has just one Premier League goal to his name this season – and no natural back-up to select, a new striker would come in handy. Vlahovic, with his recent prolific record, talent and age, fits the bill.
In other news, the numbers of Conte’s contract have been revealed.