Tottenham Hotspur are looking at making a Serie A star their first signing of the summer.
The Lilywhites are currently managerless, having parted with both Antonio Conte and his assistant Cristian Stellini following poor form. Former midfielder Ryan Mason is in caretaker charge of the club until the end of the season – and he picked up his first three points against Crystal Palace last weekend.
But behind the scenes, moves have apparently already begun on regenerating the tired Spurs squad, as chairman Daniel Levy looks to steal a march on rivals in the transfer market.
La Repubblica, via giallorossi.net, have claimed that Roma star Roger Ibanez has caught the attention of Tottenham for his stellar performances under former Spurs boss Jose Mourinho – and that a "concrete move" is imminent.
What's more, the defender could be available for as little as £26 million. Spurs are looking to add solidity to their defence this summer, with a left-sided centre-back high on the agenda, as Clement Lenglet returns to Barcelona from his loan.
Ibanez is extremely highly-rated in Italy and has earned plaudits since arriving at the Stadio Olimpico for his combative style. Former Gialorossi full-back Vincent Candela has even told Corriere Dello Sport that the Brazilian has the potential to become one of the best in the world.
“Ibanez can become one of the world’s best defenders, but he must work on his concentration,” he said.
Tottenham could even sign two Roma players for under £40m. According to 90min, Ibanez's team-mate Dybala is available for as little as £10m to Premier League sides.
Ibanez is valued at €30m by Transfermarkt.
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Vincent Kompany was the favourite to become Tottenham manager – but has since signed a new Burnley contract. Luis Enrique has expressed an interest, while Mauricio Pochettino may be in line to return.
Despite uncertainty in the dugout, Clement Lenglet looks set to join permanently. Randal Kolo Muani is of interest to Spurs and Aymeric Laporte remains an option. There are worries, however, that along with Harry Kane leaving for Manchester United, Dejan Kulusevski might not stay a Lilywhites player this summer.
