Report: Franck Kessie is Antonio Conte's 'favourite' midfield target for Tottenham

By Shamanth Jayaram

According to La Repubblica, Tottenham Hotspur boss Antonio Conte is really keen to sign Barcelona midfielder Franck Kessie in this month’s transfer window.

Spurs have had an underwhelming season with respect to their performances, but they are still just two points off the top four. That’s not a bad position to be in at all, and reinforcements in the winter window could really push them up the table in the coming months.

Conte’s side have been linked with plenty of names over the last few weeks, but Kessie is apparently the Italian’s top midfield target now.

Antonio Conte really wants to sign Franck Kessie for Tottenham

Kessie only joined Barcelona in last summer’s transfer window, but Xavi’s side already want to get rid of him.

The cash-strapped kings of Catalunya are in a very difficult position, with AS reporting this week that their “€200 million wage crisis” is still very much present.

Barcelona have to reduce their wage bill as early as possible and the best way to do that is by getting rid of a few of their players. Kessie is reportedly one of those up for sale, and Tottenham want him.

La Repubblica, as translated by GIFN, claim that the Barcelona star is Conte’s ‘favourite’ midfield target. The Italian is said to be desperate for a new midfielder and he really wants the Ivorian at Spurs in this window as he looks to strengthen his side.

Kessie is reportedly available for just £20 million (SPORT). That would be an absolute bargain for a player who is still only 26, and he would be an excellent signing for many clubs in the Premier League, including Spurs.

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Kessie was one of the best midfielders in the Serie A during his time at AC Milan.

The Ivorian is good on the ball and excellent without it. He is a truly outstanding player, and the fact that he’s still only 26 means he’s still at least a couple of years away from his prime.

Tottenham’s midfield looks good, but Yves Bissouma just hasn’t done well since he joined the club. Oliver Skipp has had his troubles with injuries, while Rodrigo Bentancur is currently out injured as well.

That explains why Conte wants Tottenham to make a move for someone like Kessie, and the fact that he’ll be available for a bargain fee makes it a no-brainer to go and sign him.