Report: Conte keeps urging Tottenham to sign £52m player, now willing to offer Emerson in swap deal

By Ben Evans

Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte knows his side need investment in the January transfer window.

So far, they’ve yet to bring in any players, with less than three weeks left to do any business.

A report from Italian outlet CalcioMercato has provided an update on one Spurs target.

Conte is keen to strengthen his Tottenham squad in a number of areas this month.

He would like to bring in another attacker to act as quality cover for Dejan Kulusevski.

The right wing-back position also needs attention, despite the fact Conte already has three options in that area.

Pedro Porro is the latest name linked with a move, but progress appears slow for the Sporting defender.

The report from CalcioMercato suggests that Conte is very keen on Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni.

The £52m defender has worked under the Italian before, and now Conte wants to bring him to the Premier League.

In order to do so, Tottenham could now be willing to offer Emerson Royal as part of the deal to sign him.

Given the Brazilian’s inconsistent performances since joining the club, it could be a win-win for Spurs.

Tottenham willing to offer Emerson in Bastoni deal

CalcioMercato believe that, ‘Spurs seem determined to get serious, so much so that they could soon propose their first offer to Inter which includes a cash portion plus Emerson Royal ‘s transfer.’

The Italian outlet believe it’s unlikely Inter will accept a proposal like this.

However, Bastoni’s contract expires in less than 18 months, and right now discussions surrounding an extension are faltering.

The young centre-back would help solve one key problem in the Tottenham squad were he to join.

Only Cristian Romero and arguably Ben Davies have consistently played well at the back this season.

Clement Lenglet is set to return to Barcelona in the summer, while Davinson Sanchez and Japhet Tanganga could both leave.

Inter have been linked with a move for Emerson Royal in the past, and so Tottenham being willing to offer him to the Italian side is no surprise.

Whether they can make a deal happen for Bastoni is another matter.

Conte’s future at Spurs is up in the air right now.

If Tottenham can do a deal for Bastoni, that might help convince him that the project is worth continuing with.