Tottenham are engineering themselves right to the front of the queue to sign a Poland World Cup star, with Antonio Conte reportedly desperate to secure his bargain signing in January.
The Italian has Spurs riding high in the Premier League, with the north London side sat fourth in the Premier League. They are also through to the last 16 of the Champions League and face Italian champions AC Milan when the competition resumes in February. And Conte is convinced that ‘anything can happen’ in a competition the club reached the final of in 2019.
However, the Tottenham boss is looking to the January window to ensure they enjoy a triumphant second half to the season. And the Spurs boss will hope – just like last January – a couple of shrewd additions can prove the catalyst for success.
To that end, Spurs are being linked with a number of classy operators. And top of his list of priorities are a new defender, with Stefan de Vrij seemingly a top target and with an unwanted Tottenham man to be offered as bait.
There are also links with Marcus Thuram as Conte looks to boost his attack. The Borussia Monchengladbach star is available to leave on a cut-price fee in January.
Furthermore, Juventus’ Weston McKennie is a contender to strengthen their midfield. His performance in the USA’s draw with England will not have done his chances any harm.
But it seems Conte’s main priorities lie in strengthening his defensive options. He has had to rely on Eric Dier, Ben Davies and Clement Lenglet for the most part this season.
And the need for improvements there is obvious for all to see.
Spurs chasing signing of Jakub Kiwior
As such, Spurs are reportedly chasing a deal to sign Spezia defender Jakub Kiwior. A signing for just £1.6m from Slovenian side MSK Zilina in 2021, he has quickly impressed with some excellent displays in Serie A.
That form saw him earn a first cap for Poland over the summer. Now he’s underlining his growing reputation with some stellar displays for his country at the 2022 World Cup. Starting both games, Poland are yet to concede a goal and are on the verge of a place in the last 16.
And reports last week claimed he could leave the Serie A side for as little as £5.1m, with Spurs, Atletico Madrid, West Ham and Juventus all keen.
However, those reports suggest Spezia are now looking for a fee nearer the £17m (€20m) mark. Despite the dramatic rise, that is still unlikely to put off his major suitors.
And AS now reports that Tottenham are right at the front of the queue to sign the 22-year-old.
They write that Spurs face the strongest competition from Roma, with Jose Mourinho also a firm admirer.
Discussing his progress, Spezia’s chief football officer Eduardo Macia admits a move away may be on the cards.
“Kiwior has had this incredible progress and is destined for an important step in his career, but it has to be at the right moment and there is no rush,” he said.
Anthony Gordon to Tottenham talk re-emerges
Tottenham are also reportedly back on the trail for Anthony Gordon.
The Everton star was on their radar over the summer, with Spurs instead opting to sign his Toffees teammate Richarlison. And while the Brazilian is yet to score a Premier League goal, he has proved a useful addition.
However, the interest in Gordon has never faded and reports are again suggesting a January move could be on.
The 21-year-old has only managed one goal since the end of August with the player recently dropping to the Everton bench.
Now journalist Pete O’Rourke reckons a move to Spurs could be back on the agenda.
Rated as the Premier League’s fastest player this season, Gordon has a top speed of 36.61km per hour. That is marginally faster than Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez.
Speed alone only gets you so far though and O’Rourke reckons a move to Tottenham could be an option.
“I think they’ve always had that interest in Anthony Gordon, that’s not going to go away,” he told GiveMeSport.
“Obviously, the longer he goes without signing a new contract at Everton, it’s always going to leave the door open for a potential move away from Goodison Park, and I think if he does end up leaving Everton, Tottenham are going to be right at the front of the queue to try and sign Gordon.”
