Report: Gattuso leading race for Tottenham star, could cost a bargain £4.5m

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Italian newspaper Corriere Dello Sport have claimed that Napoli are leading the charge to sign Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Erik Lamela this summer, and they could sign the Argentine ace for a bargain figure – much smaller than the one they paid.

Lamela, 29, has been in and out of the Tottenham side this season – clocking up 31 appearances in all competitions for the North London club, but only scoring four goals and starting just 13 of those. He is contracted to Spurs for only one more season.

The report states that Napoli are leading both AC Milan and Bologna in the race to bring Lamela back to Italy – a player Spurs bought for £30million (Mail) from Roma in 2013. It is claimed that a fee could cost between £4.5million and £8.5million.

It is also claimed that Lamela’s agents have held intense talks between Milan and now Napoli, who are in pole position to sign the Argentina cap. Spurs, then, could make a loss on Lamela which is worth more than £25million, if he goes for £4.5million.

TBR’s view – Lamela is a good squad player, but not Spurs standard

Lamela is a good player when a bit of tenacity is needed. His work rate is excellent and he gains praise from supporters when he is used. But ultimately, his goals and assists are simply not enough. Just four goals in 31 for an attacking midfield is poor.

It is a theme that has run throughout his entire time at Spurs. In 253 appearances for the London club, Lamela has scored just 37 goals and only created 47 more. Unfortunately, he is not Tottenham standard. But he should be sold for more money.