Tottenham told to make ‘remarkable’ £35m bid for Serie A star or forget about transfer | Football | Sport

Tottenham have reportedly been told they must pay £35million for Alessandro Buongiorno by Torino ahead of a potential summer pursuit. The centre-back is set to attract interest ahead of the transfer window with Spurs leading the race.

Buongiorno has excelled in Serie A this season, making 26 appearances for 10th-placed Torino. Clubs from across Europe have watched the 24-year-old with a view to a summer move.

Spurs have been linked with the Italy international despite spending £26m on Radu Dragusin in January. Buongiorno would come with the added benefit of being able to play at left-back, with Spurs struggling with injuries in that position this season.

Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport claim that Torino will demand what is described as a ‘remarkable’ £35m fee for Buongiorno over the coming months. Other clubs in Italy have reportedly been quoted the same price during initial discussions.

Buongiorno has played 106 times for Torino since graduating from the Italian club’s academy. His impressive performances led to a first senior Italy camp last June and he has made two further appearances for his country.

Watch all the Premier League and Champions League drama unfold on TNT Sports

Spurs are set for a busy summer bolstering Ange Postecoglou’s ranks. An excellent start to the season has largely been derailed by injuries, with Aston Villa now in control of the race for fourth place.

Postecoglou’s side remain likely to qualify for the Europa League, though, sitting in fifth and six points ahead of Manchester United. That would culminate a largely positive first season under the Australian, who replaced Antonio Conte last summer.

Sunday’s North London Derby defeat against Arsenal was another setback in Spurs’s season. The Gunners won 3-2 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to keep their hopes of winning the Premier League alive.

“We allowed them way too easy access to our goal in the first half. It is not acceptable at this level and we paid the price,” Postecoglou reflected.

“We couldn’t come out here in the second half and not give our supporters a little bit of hope, but it is still very disappointing.

“We are still not as resilient as we can be, especially in the transition moments or set pieces. We allow them far too easy access to our goal. They are a good side and they will punish you if you do not show that steel protecting your goal.”