Tottenham tipped to land classy missing piece who’ll give Conte no choice but to stay

Inter Milan midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu Credit: Alamy
Inter Milan midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu Credit: Alamy

Reports out of Italy suggest Tottenham could disrupt talks over a new deal and move for a classy midfielder who could play a huge role in convincing Antonio Conte to sign a contract extension.

Conte only signed an 18-month deal upon joining Tottenham mid-way through the previous season. As such, his current deal expires at season’s end and speculation he could return to former club Juventus continues to swirl.

Despite the odd hiccup and questions over his style of play, Conte is performing capably at Spurs.

He guided them to a top four finish last season at the expense of bitter rivals Arsenal. They’re hot on the heels of another top four finish this time around and have campaigns in the FA Cup and Champions League to look forward to in the second half of the season.

However, to help convince Conte Tottenham is the right place to be, the Daily Star previously reported action in the transfer window will speak louder than any words.

Spurs left it late, though did complete two January signings when landing Arnaut Danjuma on loan and Pedro Porro at right wing-back.

With the wing-back issue now resolved, retaining Harry Kane, along with signing a Hugo Lloris successor, a top class centre-half and a more creative-minded midfielder will now take precedence.

Regarding the latter, Leicester City’s James Maddison has previously been linked, though speculation is growing he could be bound for Newcastle.

Serie A to provide the answer?

Elsewhere, Italian outlet Calciomercato.it report Inter Milan’s Hakan Calhanoglu could be the man to fill the void.

The Turkey international, 28, has scored 11 and assisted 19 since ditching AC for Inter in the summer of 2021.

His current deal expires in 2024 and the report claims talks over a renewal are already underway.

However, it’s also noted Spurs will make ‘major efforts’ to convince Conte to re-sign and among the ways they can aid their cause is providing him with Calhanoglu.

From the player’s end, it’s suggested Canhanoglu would be ‘tempted’ by the prospect of linking up with Conte in north London. If Spurs qualify for next season’s Champions League, the appeal will grow even larger.

Spurs’ current midfield boasts many fine options, though Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma all favour the defensive side of the game.

The end result has seen Spurs’ star-studded forward line lack for services at times. When the ball does eventually come, the slow nature of the build-up often means the moment to strike has passed.

Calhanolgu would remedy that problem if signed, though he’s by no means the only Inter midfielder being linked…

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