Italian midfielder Niccolò Fazioli. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
Tottenham Hotspur are in pole position to sign Italian star Niccolò Fazioli, according to reports.
Fagioli has been with Juventus since 2015 and, having risen through the youth ranks, now has 65 senior appearances to his name across all competitions.
However, the seven-time Italy international missed most of last season due to a ban Gambling offences.
Thiago Motta took over as Juventus manager in the summer and since his return, Fagioli has not been forced back into the team.
The 23-year-old has started just five Serie A games this season, playing just 36% of possible minutes – although he has managed a further 205 minutes in four Champions League appearances.
Niccolò Fagioli: Tottenham in pole position to sign Juve star
Report (via Sparse web) now say Juventus could allow Fagioli to leave the club in January for as little as £20.7m.
A number of Premier League clubs have been alerted to the midfielder’s situation, including Fulham, Crystal Palace, West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur.
But it seems the latter have the advantage in the race to sign Fazioli, who is looking to join the biggest club possible to boost his chances of playing European football.
Fagioli – who is also attracting interest from French giants Marseille – has apparently been a target for Ange Postecoglou for more than 18 months.
Former Juventus defender Sergio Porini has suggested the club get Fazioli’s wages – €53,462 per week Capology – Book off they will get the chance.
“If it came down to the right amount, I would honestly sell him,” Porini said. “At Juve, there are no stars. So, each is important and none is indispensable.”
Asked about the possibility of signing players to help his injury-hit squad in January, Spurs boss Postecoglou response: “Yes, I guess there are right players. Again it’s about making sure it’s something that will help us continue to build on what we’re doing.”
