Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly ready to pip Aston Villa in the race to sign Juventus midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur.
According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Tottenham Hotspur have set their sights on another Juventus star in the form of Rodrigo Bentancur. The midfielder is facing an uncertain future in Turin, as the club push for a late move for Borussia Monchengladbach starlet Denis Zakaria. Juventus believe the sale of Bentancur could pave the way for them to sign the Swiss international, thus putting a host of clubs on alert.
Aston Villa have already expressed the desire to sign Bentancur this week by tabling a €20 million. However, Juventus were quick to reject their advances as they are holding out for a higher fee. And it appears the Bianconeri might just get lucky as Tottenham have joined the chase, proposing a €30 million offer that is likely to raise a few eyebrows in the Turin camp.
Tottenham have been linked with a move for multiple Juventus players in January, thanks to the influence of managerial director Fabio Paratici. Aside from Bentancur, they have recently targeted Dejan Kulusevski, who has been identified as a potential alternative for Adama Traore, after the explosive winger snubbed the north London outfit to return to Barcelona.
Tottenham are said to be closing in on the capture of Swedish international, although Arsenal are providing fresh competition as we head towards the final phase of the transfer window.
Meanwhile, Antonio Conte’s interest in Rodrigo Bentancur is hardly surprising as the Italian has been looking for a new midfielder throughout January. The Tottenham boss is looking for someone who can compete with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Oliver Skipp during the second half of the campaign while offering an added layer of versatility in the middle of the park.
Bentancur fits the bill well, as his tenacious and hard-working nature in midfield makes him a useful ball-winner in the second line of press. The Uruguayan international is not afraid to move forward with the ball either, making him a well-rounded option. With 181 competitive appearances for Juventus, the midfielder also offers bags of experience at the highest level of football.
The 24-year-old’s potential move to Tottenham might serve as a massive blow for Aston Villa, though. After a busy transfer window, Steven Gerrard was looking to put together the final piece of the puzzle by signing a new central midfielder. However, with Tottenham emerging as a potential destination for Bentancur, the Villans may have to abandon the pursuit completely.
