According to Italian media, Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte tried to sign Inter Milan star Nicolo Barella during the summer.
Fabio Paratici and the Spurs’ hierarchy were instrumental in orchestrating a major summer revamp at Hotspur Way during Conte’s exciting and optimistic reign.
Spurs confirmed the signings of Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster, Yves Bissouma, Richarlison, Clement Lenglet, Djed Spence, and Destiny Udogie, while the club also completed a permanent deal for Cristian Romero following his successful loan spell.
And Spurs also managed to get rid of some questionable deadwood, with Steven Bergwijn, Joe Rodon, Giovani Lo Celso, Tanguy Ndombele, Sergio Reguilon, and Harry Winks all leaving on loan or permanently.
However, a new report claims that the Italians attempted another major coup in the summer. According to Corriere dello Sport (via L’Interista), Conte pursued midfielder Barella from his former club Inter, with Spurs even making contact in the form of an enquiry.
But, having already lost winger Ivan Perisic to their former manager, the Nerazzurri ‘immediately’ halted any attempt to sign the Italy international.
According to reports, Inter value the Italy international at up to £100 million, so convincing them to let him go for a lower price would have been almost an impossible task for Paratici.
The midfielder adored by Klopp and described as ‘world class‘ by former Azzurri national team coach Marcello Lippi, would have undoubtedly added some real quality to the Spurs midfield.