Tottenham Hotspur’s reported interest in Barcelona’s Franck Kessie has been dealt a potential January transfer setback.
Spanish outlet Sport had reported that Antonio Conte’s side is keen on bringing the 26-year-old to north London.
According to the report, the Lilywhites are in pole position to sign the midfielder, who has struggled since arriving at Camp Nou in the summer.
But on the latest Here We Go podcast, the ever so reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano has stated that the Ivorian is now expected to stay in Barcelona.
The Italian journalist acknowledged the interest from two Premier League clubs, but claimed that he believes a January move is now unlikely.
He said:
“It’s also important to say one thing. English clubs, two English clubs and Italian clubs, including Inter, had interest in Franck Kessie – this is real.
“But no negotiations with Barca because at the moment, the expectation is for Kessie to stay at least until the end of the season, and then decide in the summer, his future.”
Kessie’s impressive performances with AC Milan earned him a move to Spanish giants. In 223 appearances for the Italian side, the Ivory Coast international contributed in 53 goals, scoring 37 and assisting 16 others, including six in the Scudetto-winning 2021-22 season.
However, Kessie, dubbed “extraordinary” by Vincenzo Montella, has been unable to replicate his form from Milan in La Liga.
But if Romano’s claims are to believed, Kessie will be expected to stay at Barcelona for the remaining of the season and the club will make a decision on his future in the summer.
