Spurs set sights on Udinese defender Udogie
FT Desk
- 4 Aug 2022 04:00 BST
- 3 min read
Tottenham are looking to enter the transfer market again this summer with an approach for Udinese defender Destiny Udogie.
The 19-year-old enjoyed a breakout season in Serie A last term and as a result has attracted the attention of several top clubs.
The Daily Mail reports that as well as Spurs, Manchester City, Inter and Brighton are also following his progress.
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Tottenham have also received a glowing review of the youngster from manager Antonio Conte, who has recommended they make an approach.
Signing Udogie may not be easy, however.
Udinese are determined to get the best price possible for their teenage star and will hold out for £25m for the Italy Under-21 international, who may soon break through into Roberto Mancini's senior squad.
The club are also likely to insist that Udogie remains with them for the rest of the senior - something that would not be a deal-breaker for Tottenham, who would like the defender to continue to receive regular first-team football at this pivotal point in his development.
The Italian connection
The Londoners are additionally hoping that their close ties to Italy will give them the edge in negotiations.
As well as Conte, who is admired by the youngster, sporting director Fabio Paratici enjoys excellent relations with Udinese and may help complete a deal ahead of their rivals for Udogie's signature.
A native of Verona, Udogie came up through Hellas Verona's academy and made six appearances for the club before moving to Udinese at the start of the 2021-22 season.
He went on to appear in all but three of the club's 38 Serie A matches last term and as well as impressing in defence was a threat at the other end too, finishing with five goals.
The teenager can play at both left-back and further up in midfield, while at 1.88m he has the physical attributes to move inwards as a centre-back or part of a back three later in his development.
