Tottenham Hotspur will have an interest in Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, but face the issue of managing their homegrown quota.
This has been suggested by Spurs journalist Alasdair Gold, who has been speaking about Tottenham’s transfer plans on the latest Gold & Guest Talk Tottenham podcast.
The Serbian midfielder now has just two years remaining on his deal with Lazio and has been linked with the likes of Manchester United this summer.
Milinkovic-Savic is a player who Antonio Conte and Fabio Paratici will both be familiar with from their time in Italy, where he has now provided 90 goal contributions over the years.
But there is an issue, and Gold believes any interest in foreign players comes with the caveat of needing to offload some current players to meet the European homegrown quota.
He said: “I think the key right now is when it comes to any foreign signings, hold your horses a little bit. Because it may well be that there’s interest there, especially Milinkovic-Savic – he is a player that people have raved about for years as well.
“So, of course, there will be an interest there and he can play an attacking role as well. I was looking at his goals and assists were both in double figures, I think, last season.”
TIF Thoughts on Gold’s comments…
Milinkovic-Savic’s record over recent years in Serie A is very impressive, with the midfielder proving himself to be a constant attacking threat (via Transfermarkt).
Do you expects Spurs to sign any more players?
Yes
No
And we think his goals and assists could be a huge asset to Antonio Conte’s side, with a serious lack of goal contributions coming from his midfielders last season.
However, Spurs have already added to their midfield this summer with Yves Bissouma, and although the Serbian plays a more attacking role compared to Conte’s current crop, it is difficult to see who the Italian would drop from his midfield.
We absolutely feel Milinkovic-Savic would improve Conte’s squad, however, it just feels as if his options are now set, with current starters Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Rodrigo Bentancur battling Bissouma and Oliver Skipp for a spot in the XI.