'Head turned': Journalist says 'wonderful' Tottenham target is now being distracted by Chelsea move
Tottenham Hotspur will be looking to see what opportunities arise during the January transfer window.
It’s normally a notoriously difficult time to bring in new players, although Spurs were very successful last year.
Antonio Conte started putting his own stamp on the Spurs squad 12 months ago.
The arrival of Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur proved to be absolute masterstrokes.
Kulusevski has become the perfect third attacker alongside Harry Kane and Son Heung-min.
In Bentancur, Hojbjerg has a midfield partner who compliments his strengths and weaknesses.
Conte may be looking to Italy once again to bring in another new attacker.
Tottenham have been linked with a move for AC Milan winger Rafael Leao.
Leao impressed during his cameos during the World Cup, and has attracted plenty of interest.
His contract in Italy runs out in 2024, making him an enticing prospect for a number of top European clubs.
However, Phillips now believes Leao has been distracted by interest from London rivals Chelsea.
The Blues are another side with a long-held interest in Leao, and could now deal Conte a significant blow.
Tottenham target Leao distracted by Chelsea interest
Speaking to Give Me Sport about the 23-year-old, Phillips said: “He has had his head turned by Chelsea interest, so that’s what has given Chelsea the prompt to try and get that done.
“But Chelsea obviously aren’t the only club that are keen on signing him.”
The ‘wonderful’ winger will have plenty of options on the table if he leaves AC Milan.
A report from 90min suggests Leao has rejected Milan’s latest contract offer.
Tottenham may have to take a leaf out of Liverpool’s book if they wish to sign the Portuguese.
If Leao has been distracted by Chelsea and Graham Potter’s side makes a bid, Tottenham will then know what it will take to secure his signature.
It’s exactly the same tactic Liverpool used against Tottenham in order to sign Luis Diaz last year.
There’s nothing Spurs fans would enjoy more than stealing Leao from under Chelsea’s noses.
However, it could be a difficult deal to do if the 23-year-old already has an interest in moving to Stamford Bridge.
