Tottenham Hotspur may soon find themselves in a tug-of-war to keep Destiny Udogie this summer amid growing interest from Serie A giants AC Milan.
Milan are laying the groundwork for a major squad overhaul this summer, and Gazzetta reports that Udogie is at the top of their shopping list.
But they’ll only make a move if first-choice left-back Theo Hernandez leaves the club.
Milan are reportedly close to appointing Igli Tare as their new sporting director, and the former Lazio talent spotter is said to be a huge fan of Udogie.
Tare has a reputation for making shrewd signings and is expected to oversee Milan’s summer rebuild.
He has been tasked with hiring a new manager, but once that’s sorted, Tare will turn his attention to reinforcing key positions, including full-back and midfield.
Milan’s interest in Udogie is growing, but Spurs are expected to resist any offers for the Italian defender.
Udogie has caught the eye since joining Spurs from Udinese two years ago. He has settled in nicely in north London, but it remains to be seen if a return to Italy will appeal to him.
The 22-year-old is one of the first names on Ange Postecoglou’s team sheet and is considered a vital piece of Tottenham’s long-term plans.
However, it could be difficult to turn down a club of Milan’s history and stature, especially if they’re willing to pull out all the stops to make it happen.
If Hernandez leaves Milan this summer, Tare sees Udogie as a perfect replacement. But Milan’s inability to offer Champions League football bolsters Tottenham’s chances of keeping their key player.
Udogie and Spurs have endured the worst campaign in the club’s top-flight history, but Postecoglou’s troops managed to cap it off with Europa League glory.
They edged Manchester United 1-0 in the all-English showpiece in Bilbao to end their 17-year trophy drought – a win that also automatically qualifies Spurs for the Champions League.
Udogie still has five years left on his contract, so Tottenham can comfortably repel any advances for their left-back unless the player pushes for a summer exit.