Could Lazio’s Keita Balde be set for a move to Tottenham this summer?

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Tottenham are one of the clubs interested in a move for Lazio forward Keita Balde, with the rumoured fee standing at £30 million, according to the Mirror.

Everton and Liverpool are two other clubs mentioned as possible destinations for the talented 22-year-old. Although the Serie A team are keen to keep him at the club, he has refused to sign a new deal and believed to be holding out for a move to league rivals Juventus.

The Italian champions have yet to make an official approach for the Senegalese international and the three English teams will be hoping that opens the possibility for them to make a move.

What would he bring to White Hart Lane?

In Serie A, he contributed 16 goals and three assists during the most recent seasons, delivering a number of performances that attracted interest from the rest of the continent. His trickery and pace make him the perfect wide attacker, as he can beat defenders for fun and create space for himself.

As a right-footer, he can be used on the right side, but he is best deployed as a left winger. His ability to cut inside on his stronger foot can lead to goal-scoring opportunities. However, he is more than a one-trick pony, as he is also willing to go beyond his full-back and deliver a cross, even if he is on his weaker side.

As his goal tally displays, Keita is a confident finisher, who looks to take on shots every time that an opportunity presents itself. However, he is far from the finished article. The Lazio man needs to improve his defensive contribution, as he can sometimes be lazy out of possession.

Furthermore, he needs to become more intelligent in the final third, as he can waste promising positions in attack. That said, he has developed well during the last two seasons and he will be confident of pushing on from where he currently is, especially if he moves to a bigger league.

How likely is a move to North London?

Keita has a good profile and he would certainly improve the squad at White Hart Lane, but he wouldn’t be guaranteed a regular starting berth at the club and that may put the attacker off of a move. He has been a revelation in Serie A during the last 12 months and he won’t want to return to playing a supporting role, regardless of what league he will be playing in. Regular first team football is important for a player of his age.